Portland vs South Portland: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Portland, ME and South Portland, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Portland, ME | South Portland, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,765▲ | $103,321 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.89▲ | $49.68 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,311▲ | $84,787 |
| 25th Percentile | $100,721▲ | $89,182 |
| 75th Percentile | $104,394 | $114,084▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $117,869 | $130,596▲ |
| Total Employed | 500▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Portland, ME offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to South Portland.
The salary gap between Portland and South Portland is $444 (0.43%). 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 Portland spans $27,558,South Portland spans $45,809. South Portland 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, South Portland ($103,736 effective) pays 1.83% more than Portland ($101,872 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,765/year)
- ✓Larger job market (500 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose South Portland if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($130,596)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,736)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Portland grew 37.2% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 45.3% growth in South Portland over the same period.
Portland, ME
$72,080 (2020) → $98,880 (2025)
South Portland, ME
$67,782 (2020) → $98,457 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Portland, ME
South Portland, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Portland or South Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Portland and South Portland?
Should I relocate from Portland to South Portland as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Portland vs South 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