Home » Salaries » Maine

What Can Dental Assistants Earn in Maine?

Maine is a largely rural state with one of the lowest populations, but residents still need good healthcare and dental care. Dentists are always on the lookout for qualified assistants in the state. These are trained and educated workers who manage patients and records, and assist with procedures and exams.

Tell us about yourself so we can find programs near you.




The growth in jobs for dental assistants in Maine is steady and increasing at an annual rate of over six percent. This is slower than the national average but still strong. Expect to see more than 100 open positions available in the state each year through 2026.

In Maine, dental assistants can expect to work in a variety of settings including private practices, dental clinics, and hospitals. Many of these facilities are located in the Portland area. There may also be opportunities to work in rural areas of the state.

Most dental assistants in Maine have an Associate’s degree from a community college. Programs typically last two years, although some students may be able to complete their coursework in less time. During their studies, students take classes like oral anatomy, radiology, dental materials, and infection control. They also get hands-on experience in a clinical setting.

The average annual salary for dental assistants in Maine beats the national average by more than $2,000. Those who make the most in the state are earning over $52,000 per year. With experience and additional training, it is possible to advance into other roles such as dental office manager or dental hygienist.

AreaNameBase YearEmployedProjection YearProjected EmploymentChange% ChangeProjected Average Annual Job Openings
United States2018346,0002026384,70038,70019.5%44,800
Maryland20165,80020267,5401,74030.0%900

StateTotal EmployedHourly MeanHourly MeanAnnual Mean10th Percentile25th PercentileAnnual Median75th Percentile
U.S.351,470$19.79$41,170$27,980$33,440$40,080$48,550$56,930
Maryland6,040$20.27$42,160$27,360$34,070$41,190$49,590$58,970

Maine’s Portland metro area has the most employed dental assistants, but the area of the state that includes Portsmouth, New Hampshire, has the highest average salaries. Dental assistants in the Lewiston-Auburn area earn the least.

AreaTotal EmployedHourly MeanAnnual Mean10th Percentile25th PercentileAnnual Median75th Percentile90th Percentile
Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD2990$20.31$42,240$27,200$34,740$41,870$50,010$59,350
California-Lexington Park, MD100$23.29$48,440$30,960$38,850$48,840$60,050$65,060
Cumberland, MD-WV80$19.20$39,940$27,800$34,780$41,060$46,500$50,190
Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV180$19.38$40,320$29,570$34,250$40,900$47,090$51,180
Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD6030$20.32$42,260$27,870$34,500$41,850$50,660$59,750
Salisbury, MD-DE330$19.94$41,480$27,870$33,610$39,630$48,380$59,100
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV6050$23.01$47,860$28,990$36,740$46,100$56,500$70,490

Dental assistants in Maine earn a great living compared to other similar healthcare careers. They earn more than medical assistants, nursing assistants and pharmacy technicians by as much as $4,000 per year. Physical therapists earn the highest salaries among these types of careers.

OccupationTotal EmployedHourly MeanAnnual Mean10th Percentile25th PercentileAnnual Median75th Percentile90th Percentile
Pharmacy Technicians7640$17.00$35,350$25,550$28,270$33,360$40,550$49,320
Nursing Assistants28990$15.60$32,450$24,710$27,540$31,260$36,900$41,760
Physical Therapist Assistants1880$26.47$55,070$26,130$38,150$56,770$69,640$81,680
Dental Assistants6040$20.27$42,160$27,360$34,070$41,190$49,590$58,970
Medical Assistants13110$17.94$37,320$27,630$31,870$36,330$41,240$49,470
Tell us about yourself so we can find programs near you.