Dental Hygienist Salary in Augusta, ME: $96,688 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental hygienist in Augusta, ME earns a median $96,688/year (≈ $46.49/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Once you factor in Augusta's price level (0% above national, BEA RPP 99.6), that paycheck buys what $97,076 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.7% below the Maine state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Augusta, ME, the projected median annual dental hygienist salary in 2026 stands at $96,688, offering a competitive wage in comparison to the national median of $102,946. The salary range for dental hygienists in this city varies significantly, with the lower 10th percentile earning around $80,520 and the upper 90th percentile drawing as much as $119,784. These figures, which reflect local estimates based on BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments, suggest a modest yet favorable market for aspiring hygienists. The presence of only four dental hygienists currently employed in Augusta indicates a relatively small workforce in the area, hinting at potential growth opportunities as demand for dental care continues to expand.
About the Augusta Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($88,832) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,520 | $38.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $85,668 | $41.19 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $96,688 | $46.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $105,933 | $50.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $119,784 | $57.59 |
Median Salary Position
6.08% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Augusta
In Augusta, ME, the dental hygienist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,264 (2026 est.). At $96,688, the local median is 6.08% below the national median of $102,946.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Augusta: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Augusta Dental Hygienist Pay Compares
Augusta median: $96,688/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Augusta Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maine Average | $102,532 | -5.70% less |
| National Average | $102,946 | -6.08% less |
Dental Hygienists in Augusta, ME earn a median of $96,688 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.08% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 5.70% below the Maine state average of $102,532.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Augusta has a cost of living 0.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Augusta, ME has a cost-of-living index of 99.6 (below the national average of 100). A dental hygienist earning $96,688 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $97,076 in an average-cost city — an effective 0.4% boost.
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2020 BLS Actual
$66,177
2025 BLS Actual
$92,136
2026 Current Est.
$96,688
2020–2027 Growth
+53.3%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Augusta (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $66,177 | Actual |
| 2021 | $72,409 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,208 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,414 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,411 | Actual |
| 2025 | $92,136 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $96,688 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $101,464 | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS data for the Augusta metropolitan area, the median dental hygienist salary grew 39.2% from $66,177 (2020) to $92,136 (2025). At a 4.94% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $101,464 by 2027 — a total increase of $35,287 (53.32%) from 2020.
Note: Historical values (2020–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Augusta 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $80,520 – $85,668 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $85,668 – $96,688 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $96,688 – $105,933 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $105,933 – $119,784 |
RDH salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental hygienist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Hygienist Job Market in Augusta
Analyzing the job market dynamics in Augusta reveals a rather unique cost-of-living scenario, with a Cost of Living Index sitting at 99.6, which is just below the national average. This means that while salaries may not be as high as the national average, the purchasing power is fairly stable, allowing dental hygienists to maintain a comfortable lifestyle. Multi-doctor group practices and Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) like Heartland and Aspen often provide the most competitive salaries, featuring production bonuses that can significantly boost earnings. Factors influencing the variance in pay include scheduling flexibility, employer healthcare benefits, and the potential for sign-on bonuses with larger practices. For those in this area looking to maximize their pay, focusing on DSO positions or negotiating benefits in smaller practices could yield favorable financial outcomes while navigating the dental hygienist pay landscape in Augusta, ME.
More salary data for Augusta, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $92,136 for dental hygienistsin the Augusta metropolitan area. A 4.94% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Augusta 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