Dental Hygienist Pay

Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Biddeford, ME: $46.64 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Biddeford, ME runs $46.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $97,011 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Biddeford's regional price level (BEA RPP 99.6, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $46.82 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,201 per year.

$97,011
Median Annual Salary
$46.64/hr
Hourly Rate
$76,100
Entry Level (P10)
$115,005
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Dental Hygienist Hourly Rate in Biddeford, ME — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Biddeford, ME dental hygienist hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Biddeford, Maine, the projected median hourly pay for dental hygienists in 2026 stands at $46.64, which is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $49.49. This hourly pay reflects what dental hygienists can expect in typical work settings such as general dentistry offices, periodontal specialties, and public health clinics. For those opting for part-time roles, such as working three days a week, this hourly rate can translate to a stable income, enhancing the flexibility that many in the profession seek. The hourly pay ranges from $36.58 at the entry level to $55.29 for top earners, demonstrating a career with substantial growth potential. As dental hygienists in Biddeford navigate their careers, these hourly estimates are derived from broader annual salary trends, providing a solid foundation for understanding earnings in this vital health sector.

About the Biddeford Market

Salary estimated from Maine average ($88,832) adjusted for local cost of living.

Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$36.58$292.66
Lower Range (P25)$39.69$317.51
Median (P50)$46.64$373.08
Upper Range (P75)$49.56$396.51
Top Earners (P90)$55.29$442.34

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Biddeford

Based on $46.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a dental hygienist in Biddeford earning $46.64/hr would make approximately $55,962 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $97,001 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$55,962Reduced (32 hr/wk)$74,617Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$97,001

At $46.64/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Biddeford, ME can expect to earn approximately $97,001 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,962. With a cost-of-living index of 99.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Biddeford.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$373.08
per 8hr shift
$1,865.41
per week
$8,083
per month
$97,001
per year

Schedule Comparison in Biddeford

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$1,865.41$8,083$97,001
Part-Time (24 hrs)$1,119.25$4,850$58,201
Per Diem (16 hrs)$746.17$3,233$38,801

Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Dental Hygienist (Biddeford)$46.64
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
Horizontal bar chart comparing dental hygienist median salary in Biddeford ($97,011) with Maine average ($102,548) and the US national median ($102,946).Biddeford$97,011Maine Avg$102,548-5.40%US National$102,946-5.77%

Dental Hygienists in Biddeford, ME earn a median of $97,011 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.77% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 5.40% below the Maine state average of $102,548.

Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $46.64/hr = $58,201/year (purchasing power: $58,435).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $97,001/year (purchasing power: $97,391).

CoL index: 99.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.

2020 BLS Actual

$31.92/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$44.44/hr

2026 Current Est.

$46.64/hr

2020–2027 Growth

+53.3%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Biddeford (20202027)

2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for dental hygienists in Biddeford. Baseline $31.92/hr in 2025, projected to $48.94/hr by 2027.$29$34$40$46$52202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$31.92$34.93$36.28$36.86$40.33$44.44$46.64$48.94
YearHourly RateStatus
2020$31.92/hrActual
2021$34.93/hrActual
2022$36.28/hrActual
2023$36.86/hrActual
2024$40.33/hrActual
2025$44.44/hrActual
2026(current)$46.64/hrEstimated
2027$48.94/hrProjected

Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Biddeford grew 39.2% from $31.92/hr (2020) to $44.44/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.94/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem dental hygienists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.

Note: Historical values (20202025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Biddeford metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Biddeford

When considering part-time work as a dental hygienist, a 24-hour workweek translates to an annual income considerably less than what a full-time professional earns. While full-time hygienists may enjoy robust benefits and a steadier paycheck, part-timers must weigh their annual earnings—around $58,000—against the benefits that full-time roles provide. The demand for per diem dental hygienist pay in Biddeford offers a range between $40 and $60 per hour, appealing to those who desire flexibility in their work-life balance. However, those looking for higher earnings may find lucrative opportunities in metropolitan areas like Boston or New York City, where some dental hygienists can command up to $85 per hour. Differences in pay rates are often contingent on the type of employer; for instance, solo practices may offer lower rates compared to larger DSOs, which can provide additional perks like health insurance. Understanding these dynamics helps local dental hygienists negotiate better compensation for their valuable skills while navigating their career paths in Biddeford.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Biddeford in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Biddeford is $46.64/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.94% annual growth). Rates range from $36.58 at entry level (10th percentile) to $55.29 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 5.8% below the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Biddeford?

A part-time dental hygienist working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Biddeford earns approximately $4,850/month, or $58,201/year at the median hourly rate of $46.64. Many dental hygienists prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are dental hygienists in Biddeford paid hourly or salary?

The majority of dental hygienists in Biddeford are paid hourly at a median rate of $46.64/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $97,001/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Biddeford?

A full-time dental hygienist working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Biddeford earns approximately $97,001/year at the median hourly rate of $46.64. This is 5.8% below the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $115,009/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Biddeford?

Part-time and per diem dental hygienists in Biddeford sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $55.29/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

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SCSarah Chen

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.

Clinically reviewed by Amanda Doucette, RDHData verified by David Oh

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 Biddeford. 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 Biddeford is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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