Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Scarborough, ME: $47.03 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Scarborough, ME runs $47.03 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $97,828 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Scarborough's regional price level (BEA RPP 99.6, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,699 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Scarborough, Maine, dental hygienists command a median hourly pay of $47.03, which is slightly below the national median of $49.49. This means that part-time professionals working three days a week (approximately 24 hours) can make a good living while enjoying a balanced schedule, often within a range of $37.57 to $54.89 per hour. Many dental hygienists find employment in diverse settings, including general dentistry offices, public health clinics, and Dental Service Organizations (DSOs). With an industry that tends to pay better as one gains experience, entry-level professionals might earn around $37.57, while seasoned practitioners at the top of the pay scale could take home as much as $54.89 an hour. These hourly rates are based on 2026 estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and reflect the dynamics of the local market.
About the Scarborough 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) | $37.57 | $300.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.36 | $338.91 |
| Median (P50) | $47.03 | $376.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.44 | $395.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.89 | $439.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Scarborough
Based on $47.03/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.03/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Scarborough, ME can expect to earn approximately $97,831 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,441. With a cost-of-living index of 99.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Scarborough.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Scarborough
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,881.36 | $8,153 | $97,831 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,128.82 | $4,892 | $58,699 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $752.55 | $3,261 | $39,132 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Scarborough) | $47.03 |
| 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 Scarborough, ME earn a median of $97,828 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.97% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 4.60% below the Maine state average of $102,545.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.03/hr = $58,699/year (purchasing power: $58,934).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $97,831/year (purchasing power: $98,224).
CoL index: 99.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$32.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.03/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+53.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Scarborough (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $32.19/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.03/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Scarborough grew 39.2% from $32.19/hr (2020) to $44.82/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.36/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 Scarborough 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 Scarborough
When considering a part-time position in Scarborough, a dental hygienist working three days a week may earn around $53,000 annually, which provides a decent living while allowing for flexibility. Per diem dental hygienists in the area can expect rates ranging from $40 to $60 per hour, depending on their negotiating power and the demand in the market. While dental hygienists can find various employment opportunities, hourly rates can differ significantly across employer types; solo practices may offer lower rates, while DSOs frequently provide higher compensation along with additional benefits like health insurance. This trade-off between a higher hourly wage versus benefits is a common consideration for many in the field. To maximize earning potential, dental hygienists in Scarborough should focus on sharpening negotiation skills and understanding market rates, ensuring they are compensated fairly for their expertise and services in this dynamic healthcare profession.
More salary data for Scarborough, 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
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 Scarborough. 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 Scarborough 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