Portland vs Scarborough: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Portland, ME and Scarborough, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Portland, ME | Scarborough, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $134,733▲ | $130,060 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.78▲ | $62.53 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $111,540▲ | $104,274 |
| 25th Percentile | $115,616 | $122,502▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $144,530 | $146,637▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $170,786▲ | $155,888 |
| Total Employed | 720▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Portland, ME offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Scarborough.
The salary gap between Portland and Scarborough is $4,673 (3.59%). Portland's median is -1.56% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Portland spans $59,246,Scarborough spans $51,614. Portland 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, Portland ($132,275 effective) pays 1.30% more than Scarborough ($130,582 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 ($134,733/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($170,786)
- ✓Larger job market (720 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $132,275)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose Scarborough if…
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Portland grew 18.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 5.8% growth in Scarborough over the same period.
Portland, ME
$109,870 (2019) → $130,240 (2025)
Scarborough, ME
$118,785 (2024) → $125,723 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Portland, ME
Scarborough, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Portland or Scarborough?
What is the hourly rate difference between Portland and Scarborough?
Should I relocate from Portland to Scarborough as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Portland vs Scarborough?
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