Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Auburn, ME: $46.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Auburn, ME runs $46.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $96,356 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Auburn's regional price level (BEA RPP 99.6, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $46.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,808 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Auburn, Maine, the dental hygienist hourly pay stands at an estimated $46.32 in 2026, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $49.49. This means that individuals working part-time, for instance, those putting in three days a week, can expect to earn approximately $46,571 annually, based on a 24-hour workweek. For per-diem dental hygienists, who often find themselves in various settings like general dental offices, periodontal suites, or even public health clinics, earnings can fluctuate significantly. The hourly rates within Auburn range from $35.75 at the lower end for entry-level positions to $54.19 for top earners, highlighting the diversity of pay based on experience and the specific employer. It's worth mentioning that these figures derive their estimates from annual salary projections, reflecting the competitive nature of dental hygiene practices in the region.
About the Auburn Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($88,832) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.75 | $286.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.89 | $335.14 |
| Median (P50) | $46.32 | $370.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.87 | $390.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.19 | $433.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Auburn
Based on $46.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.32/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Auburn, ME can expect to earn approximately $96,347 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,585. With a cost-of-living index of 99.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Auburn.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Auburn
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,852.82 | $8,029 | $96,347 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,111.69 | $4,817 | $57,808 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $741.13 | $3,212 | $38,539 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Auburn) | $46.32 |
| Dental Assistant (National Avg) | $21.29 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
Dental Hygienists in Auburn, ME earn a median of $96,356 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.40% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 6.00% below the Maine state average of $102,506.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.32/hr = $57,808/year (purchasing power: $58,040).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $96,347/year (purchasing power: $96,734).
CoL index: 99.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$31.71/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.32/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+53.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Auburn (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $31.71/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.69/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.61/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Auburn grew 39.2% from $31.71/hr (2020) to $44.14/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.61/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem dental hygienists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2020–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Auburn metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.94% CAGR derived from 6-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Dental Hygienist in Auburn
Examining the local job market reveals intriguing earning potential for part-time hygienists in Auburn. A dental hygienist working three days a week earns significantly less than their full-time counterparts, but the flexibility can be appealing for those pursuing work-life balance. Furthermore, per diem dental hygienist pay in Auburn sees some variability, usually aligning with the prevailing market, which can range between $40-$60 per hour when employed via agencies. In high-cost metro areas, temporary positions may pay even more, sometimes between $60-$85 per hour. The hourly rates can also differ based on the type of practice; for instance, solo practitioners may offer less compared to larger operations like Dental Service Organizations (DSOs). While higher hourly pay can be attractive, many hygienists opt for positions that offer benefits like health insurance, balancing out the overall compensation package. When discussing contracts, being well-informed about market rates specific to Auburn can aid hygienists in negotiating better terms, ensuring both stability and satisfaction in their careers.
More salary data for Auburn, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Auburn?
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Related Pages
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Written by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH
Dental Career Analyst
Sarah Chen is a registered dental hygienist with over 12 years of clinical experience. She specializes in salary benchmarking and career strategy, helping dental professionals make data-driven career decisions using official BLS statistics.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.94% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for dental hygienists in Auburn. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Auburn is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.94%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dental hygienists (SOC 29-1292).
Compiled and verified by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov