Lewiston vs South Portland: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Lewiston, ME and South Portland, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lewiston, ME | South Portland, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $110,186 | $135,517▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $52.98 | $65.15▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,122 | $78,600▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $85,571 | $97,572▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $134,299 | $173,463▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $217,232▲ | $210,052 |
| Total Employed | 150▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Lewiston and South Portland are closely matched on overall lawyer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Lewiston and South Portland is $25,331 (22.99%). South Portland's median is -18.94% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lewiston spans $140,110,South Portland spans $131,452. 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, South Portland ($136,061 effective) pays 16.98% more than Lewiston ($116,308 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lewiston if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($217,232)
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose South Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($135,517/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $136,061)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Lewiston grew 47.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.1% growth in South Portland over the same period.
Lewiston, ME
$71,220 (2019) → $105,240 (2025)
South Portland, ME
$115,438 (2024) → $129,434 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lewiston, ME
South Portland, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
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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