Auburn vs Portland: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Auburn, ME and Portland, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Auburn, ME | Portland, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $96,356 | $103,765▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $46.32 | $49.89▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,366 | $90,311▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $87,139 | $100,721▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $101,660 | $104,394▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $112,707 | $117,869▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 500▲ |
Verdict
Portland, ME offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Auburn.
The salary gap between Auburn and Portland is $7,409 (7.69%). Portland's median is +0.80% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Auburn spans $38,341,Portland spans $27,558. Auburn has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Portland ($101,872 effective) pays 5.30% more than Auburn ($96,743 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Auburn if…
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,765/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($117,869)
- ✓Larger job market (500 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,872)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Auburn grew 39.2% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 37.2% growth in Portland over the same period.
Auburn, ME
$65,950 (2020) → $91,820 (2025)
Portland, ME
$72,080 (2020) → $98,880 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Auburn, ME
Portland, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Auburn or Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Auburn and Portland?
Should I relocate from Auburn to Portland as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Auburn vs Portland?
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.94% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov