Bangor vs Brunswick: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Bangor, ME and Brunswick, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bangor, ME | Brunswick, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $92,819 | $94,883▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $44.63 | $45.62▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,048▲ | $78,836 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,971▲ | $84,013 |
| 75th Percentile | $97,689 | $103,938▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $107,501 | $117,177▲ |
| Total Employed | 130▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Brunswick, ME offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bangor.
The salary gap between Bangor and Brunswick is $2,064 (2.22%). Brunswick's median is -7.83% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bangor spans $20,453,Brunswick spans $38,341. Brunswick has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dental hygienists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bangor ($96,178 effective) pays 0.96% more than Brunswick ($95,264 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bangor if…
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $96,178)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose Brunswick if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($94,883/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($117,177)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Bangor grew 35.9% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 39.2% growth in Brunswick over the same period.
Bangor, ME
$65,100 (2020) → $88,450 (2025)
Brunswick, ME
$64,942 (2020) → $90,416 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bangor, ME
Brunswick, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Bangor or Brunswick?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bangor and Brunswick?
Should I relocate from Bangor to Brunswick as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Bangor vs Brunswick?
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