Salaries in South Portland, ME
What every job actually pays — cost-of-living adjusted
Updated: February 2026 · 27 occupations · BLS + Census data
Here’s the thing about South Portland: you can’t throw a rock without hitting someone who works for a tech firm or a hospital, yet the median income is just $84,563. It’s a quiet shock—this city of 26,780 people feels richer than its numbers suggest.
Let’s talk purchasing power. With a cost of living index of 103.6, you’re paying 3.6% more than the U.S. average for groceries, utilities, and that $1,139 one-bedroom rent. It’s not a steal, but it’s not punishing, either. The average salary here is $57,622, which drops to a COL-adjusted $55,620. That means your paycheck stretches a little less far than you’d hope, but you’re not drowning.
Who actually thrives? The software developers pulling in $128,634 for one—many at companies like WEX or the growing fintech and health-tech shops near the waterfront. Nurses at Maine Medical Center and accountants serving the maritime and logistics industries do just fine, too. The unemployment rate is a tight 3.0%, and nearly half the population holds a bachelor’s degree or higher, which helps explain the demand for skilled roles.
But here’s the catch: wages aren’t exploding. For teachers and electricians, the pay feels tight against that rent and the 3.6% premium. It works beautifully if you’re in a top-tier field or a two-income household, but it can feel like a squeeze if you’re starting out or in a lower-paying sector.
The numbers below will show you exactly where the gaps—and opportunities—lie.
🏆 Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in South Portland
Ranked by raw salary. See COL-adjusted figures in the full table below.
Software Developer
Accountant
Registered Nurse
Elementary School Teacher
Electrician
📋 Complete Salary Guide — All 27 Occupations in South Portland
COL-Adjusted Salary = Raw salary divided by the cost of living index (104/100). Higher = more real purchasing power. This city's COL is above the US average.
| # | Occupation ↕ | Raw Salary ↕ |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Software Developer | $128,634 |
| 2 | Accountant | $87,009 |
| 3 | Registered Nurse | $86,999 |
| 4 | Elementary School Teacher | $64,357 |
| 5 | Electrician | $62,214 |
| 6 | Real Estate Agent | $62,143 |
| 7 | Heavy Truck Driver | $53,663 |
| 8 | Nursing Assistant (CNA) | $50,539 |
| 9 | Paralegal | $50,539 |
| 10 | Welder | $50,539 |
| 11 | Project Manager | $50,539 |
| 12 | Police Officer | $50,539 |
| 13 | Graphic Designer | $50,539 |
| 14 | Data Analyst | $50,539 |
| 15 | Plumber | $50,539 |
| 16 | Firefighter | $50,539 |
| 17 | Carpenter | $50,539 |
| 18 | Human Resources Specialist | $50,539 |
| 19 | Physical Therapist | $50,539 |
| 20 | Financial Analyst | $50,539 |
| 21 | HVAC Technician | $50,539 |
| 22 | Pharmacist | $50,539 |
| 23 | Dental Hygienist | $50,539 |
| 24 | Construction Manager | $50,539 |
| 25 | Web Developer | $50,539 |
| 26 | Marketing Manager | $50,539 |
| 27 | Medical Assistant | $50,539 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. COL Index from C2ER/ACCRA.
🏙️ Living Costs in South Portland
🧮 Can You Afford to Live in South Portland?
Use our Salary Reality Check to see if your specific income covers housing, taxes, and expenses in South Portland. Enter your salary and see exactly how far your money goes.
❓ South Portland Salary FAQ
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📝 Editor's Verdict: Is South Portland Worth It?
My verdict: South Portland isn’t a gold rush, but it’s a solid bet if you’re in the right field. Tech wins. Software developers lead the pack at $128,634, and even after the cost-of-living index of 103.6, the adjusted $124,164 holds up. Healthcare and trades can do fine, especially if you’ve got experience or a union gig, but the gap between the $57,622 average and top roles is stark. Rent at $1,139/month is manageable, though you’ll feel the pinch on a median salary. For me, South Portland is worth it if you’re in tech or a specialized healthcare role; for everyone else, it’s more of a slow burn than a slam dunk. If you’re thinking of moving here for work, negotiate hard—because the average won’t cut it if you’re not in a high-demand lane.