Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Augusta, ME: $46.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Augusta, ME runs $46.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $96,688 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Augusta's regional price level (BEA RPP 99.6, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $46.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,018 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Augusta, Maine, dental hygienists can anticipate a median hourly pay of $46.49, which is slightly lower than the national hourly median of $49.49. This rate provides a solid foundation for both part-time and per-diem workers in the field, allowing for flexibility in various dental settings, including general dentistry offices, specialty practices in periodontics and pediatrics, and public health clinics. Entry-level dental hygienists can expect to earn around $38.71 per hour, while experienced professionals at the higher end of the spectrum may earn up to $57.59 per hour. It’s important to note that these hourly estimates are derived from projected annual salary data for 2026, reflecting trends in the dental hygienist hourly pay in Augusta.
About the Augusta 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) | $38.71 | $309.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.19 | $329.51 |
| Median (P50) | $46.49 | $371.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.93 | $407.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.59 | $460.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Augusta
Based on $46.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.49/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Augusta, ME can expect to earn approximately $96,696 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,786. With a cost-of-living index of 99.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Augusta.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Augusta
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,859.54 | $8,058 | $96,696 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,115.72 | $4,835 | $58,018 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $743.81 | $3,223 | $38,678 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Augusta) | $46.49 |
| 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 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.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.49/hr = $58,018/year (purchasing power: $58,251).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $96,696/year (purchasing power: $97,084).
CoL index: 99.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$31.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.49/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+53.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Augusta (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $31.82/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.16/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.14/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Augusta grew 39.2% from $31.82/hr (2020) to $44.30/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.78/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 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.
Working as an Hourly Dental Hygienist in Augusta
For those considering part-time work, a dental hygienist committed to a three-day workweek, totaling about 24 hours, could take home around $58,638 annually, compared to a full-time hygienist's take-home pay. The temporary work environment presents distinct financial dynamics, with per-diem or agency hygienists often earning between $40-$60 per hour, influenced by the demand across various locations. Hourly pay can vary significantly based on the type of employer; dental hygienists in solo practices may face different compensation structures than those working for Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) like Heartland or Aspen, which often offer benefits for slightly lower hourly rates. Negotiating your hourly pay can hinge on understanding the specific needs of each employer; many hygienists may choose lower hourly pay in exchange for stable health insurance. Therefore, when evaluating offers, it becomes crucial to consider all aspects of compensation beyond just the rate on the paycheck.
More salary data for Augusta, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Augusta in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Augusta?
Are dental hygienists in Augusta paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Augusta?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Augusta?
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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 Augusta. 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 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