Biddeford vs Portland: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Biddeford, ME and Portland, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Biddeford, ME | Portland, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $157,536▲ | $136,100 |
| Hourly Rate | $75.74▲ | $65.44 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $91,371▲ | $82,703 |
| 25th Percentile | $113,426▲ | $88,890 |
| 75th Percentile | $201,646▲ | $177,686 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $244,180▲ | $236,653 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 1,360▲ |
Verdict
Biddeford, ME offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Portland.
The salary gap between Biddeford and Portland is $21,436 (15.75%). Biddeford's median is -5.77% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Biddeford spans $152,809,Portland spans $153,950. Portland has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced lawyers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Biddeford ($158,169 effective) pays 18.37% more than Portland ($133,617 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Biddeford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($157,536/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($244,180)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $158,169)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,360 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Biddeford grew 33.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.3% growth in Portland over the same period.
Biddeford, ME
$113,081 (2024) → $150,464 (2025)
Portland, ME
$99,750 (2019) → $129,990 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Biddeford, ME
Portland, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays lawyers more: Biddeford or Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Biddeford and Portland?
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Written by Alexandra Chen, JD
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in corporate law. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions. Alexandra works at a mid-sized law firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.70% 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 Alexandra Chen, JD, a licensed lawyer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov