Lewiston vs Portland: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Lewiston, ME and Portland, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lewiston, ME | Portland, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $140,309▲ | $134,733 |
| Hourly Rate | $67.46▲ | $64.78 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $113,454▲ | $111,540 |
| 25th Percentile | $128,547▲ | $115,616 |
| 75th Percentile | $164,496▲ | $144,530 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $178,886▲ | $170,786 |
| Total Employed | 180 | 720▲ |
Verdict
Lewiston, ME offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Portland.
The salary gap between Lewiston and Portland is $5,576 (4.14%). Lewiston's median is +2.52% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lewiston spans $65,432,Portland spans $59,246. Lewiston 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, Lewiston ($148,105 effective) pays 11.97% more than Portland ($132,275 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lewiston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($140,309/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($178,886)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $148,105)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Larger job market (720 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Lewiston grew 30.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.5% growth in Portland over the same period.
Lewiston, ME
$103,740 (2019) → $135,630 (2025)
Portland, ME
$109,870 (2019) → $130,240 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lewiston, ME
Portland, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Lewiston or Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lewiston and Portland?
Should I relocate from Lewiston to Portland as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Lewiston vs Portland?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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 Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov