Auburn vs Bangor: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Auburn, ME and Bangor, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Auburn, ME | Bangor, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $96,356▲ | $92,819 |
| Hourly Rate | $46.32▲ | $44.63 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,366 | $87,048▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $87,139 | $87,971▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $101,660▲ | $97,689 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $112,707▲ | $107,501 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 130▲ |
Verdict
Auburn, ME offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bangor.
The salary gap between Auburn and Bangor is $3,537 (3.81%). Auburn's median is -6.40% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Auburn spans $38,341,Bangor spans $20,453. Auburn has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Auburn ($96,743 effective) pays 0.59% more than Bangor ($96,178 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Auburn if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($96,356/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($112,707)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $96,743)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose Bangor if…
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Auburn grew 39.2% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 35.9% growth in Bangor over the same period.
Auburn, ME
$65,950 (2020) → $91,820 (2025)
Bangor, ME
$65,100 (2020) → $88,450 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Auburn, ME
Bangor, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Auburn or Bangor?
What is the hourly rate difference between Auburn and Bangor?
Should I relocate from Auburn to Bangor as a dental hygienist?
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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
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