Salaries in Lewiston, ME
What every job actually pays — cost-of-living adjusted
Updated: February 2026 · 27 occupations · BLS + Census data
Here's a secret about Lewiston that the glossy brochures skip: for a city of its size, it's a quiet powerhouse for specific, high-skill jobs. The median income might look modest at $56,558, but look closer and you'll find a cluster of six-figure roles that punch way above their weight.
Here's the math on your paycheck. With a cost of living index of 100.1—basically dead-on the national average—your dollar doesn't stretch further here. But it doesn't shrink either. That $877 one-bedroom rent is the real story; it’s a bargain compared to Boston or Portland, meaning a software developer earning $127,000 has a standard of living that would require a much higher salary elsewhere. It's not a cheap city, but it's not a rip-off, which is a surprisingly honest balance in 2026.
Who actually thrives here? The economy isn't built on one giant employer. It's a mix of healthcare, education, and skilled trades. Bates College is a major anchor, and you'll find a lot of opportunity in the medical sector and in construction management, which is booming with regional development. The top-paying jobs tell the story: marketing managers, pharmacists, and software developers are in demand, pulling down salaries well over $100,000.
The catch? Wages are stable, but they're not exploding. With an average salary of $79,366, you can live comfortably, but you won't get rich quick unless you're in one of those top-tier roles. It's a fantastic fit if you have a degree and a specialized skill, but it's a tougher climb if you're starting out or in an industry with flatter pay scales.
The following data breaks down exactly what Lewiston pays, both in raw numbers and what you can actually buy with it.
🏆 Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Lewiston
Ranked by raw salary. See COL-adjusted figures in the full table below.
Marketing Manager
Pharmacist
Software Developer
Construction Manager
Project Manager
📋 Complete Salary Guide — All 27 Occupations in Lewiston
COL-Adjusted Salary = Raw salary divided by the cost of living index (100/100). Higher = more real purchasing power. This city's COL is above the US average.
| # | Occupation ↕ | Raw Salary ↕ |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marketing Manager | $157,667 |
| 2 | Pharmacist | $136,070 |
| 3 | Software Developer | $127,298 |
| 4 | Construction Manager | $108,242 |
| 5 | Project Manager | $101,310 |
| 6 | Physical Therapist | $99,739 |
| 7 | Financial Analyst | $99,039 |
| 8 | Web Developer | $92,777 |
| 9 | Dental Hygienist | $87,556 |
| 10 | Accountant | $86,105 |
| 11 | Registered Nurse | $86,095 |
| 12 | Data Analyst | $83,385 |
| 13 | Police Officer | $74,932 |
| 14 | Human Resources Specialist | $67,670 |
| 15 | Elementary School Teacher | $63,689 |
| 16 | Plumber | $63,369 |
| 17 | Paralegal | $62,768 |
| 18 | Electrician | $61,568 |
| 19 | Real Estate Agent | $61,498 |
| 20 | Graphic Designer | $61,358 |
| 21 | Firefighter | $57,137 |
| 22 | Carpenter | $56,937 |
| 23 | HVAC Technician | $55,686 |
| 24 | Heavy Truck Driver | $53,105 |
| 25 | Nursing Assistant (CNA) | $50,015 |
| 26 | Welder | $49,604 |
| 27 | Medical Assistant | $38,281 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. COL Index from C2ER/ACCRA.
🏙️ Living Costs in Lewiston
🧮 Can You Afford to Live in Lewiston?
Use our Salary Reality Check to see if your specific income covers housing, taxes, and expenses in Lewiston. Enter your salary and see exactly how far your money goes.
❓ Lewiston Salary FAQ
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📝 Editor's Verdict: Is Lewiston Worth It?
Here’s my honest take: Lewiston won’t make you rich, but it’s a surprisingly fair deal. With an average salary near $79k and rent at $877, your paycheck actually stretches. That 100.1 cost-of-living index is basically a wash—so if you’re in healthcare, the trades, or even tech with remote flexibility, you’ll bank more here than in Boston or Portland. Marketing managers do best (north of $157k), but that’s an outlier. If you’re chasing big-city salaries, Lewiston probably isn’t your spot. But if you want a place where you can afford a life—not just rent—this is worth a serious look. My advice: visit in February. If you can handle the gray and the snow, you’ll love the value.