Business & Finance Portland, ME Pop. 68,408

Economist Salary in Portland, Maine

The median economist salary in Portland, ME is $123,055 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median and 10.2% above the Maine state average.

City Median
$123,055
vs State Avg
+$11,394
vs National
+$9,115
Cost of Living
108%

Economist Pay in Portland: What to Expect (2026)

Portland offers a median economist salary of $123,055, which is $11,394 above the Maine state average of $111,661. Compared to the national median of $113,940, Portland pays above average for this role.

Portland's cost of living is 108% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for economists in Portland spans from $66,960 at the 10th percentile to $213,840 at the 90th percentile — a $146,880 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $70,200, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $199,800. Portland is a smaller market (pop. 68,408), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Economist Salary in Portland by Experience

In Portland, an entry-level economist earns around $70,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $199,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$70,200
+$5,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$124,200
+$9,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$199,800
+$14,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Portland, ME

Percentile Portland
10th Percentile $66,960
25th Percentile $88,560
Median (50th) $123,055
75th Percentile $167,400
90th Percentile $213,840

Economist Salary in Other Maine Cities

How to Become a Economist in Portland

Education

Most economist positions require a master's degree. Portland and the surrounding Maine area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

EconometricsStatistical AnalysisR/PythonEconomic ModelingResearch MethodsPolicy Analysis

Job Outlook

Nationally, economist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Portland may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Economist Jobs in Portland

Browse open economist positions in Portland, ME:

Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Portland

How much does a Economist make in Portland, ME? ▼
The median economist salary in Portland, Maine is $123,055 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $66,960 (10th percentile) to $213,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in Portland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $123,055, a economist in Portland earns approximately $59 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Portland compare to the Maine state average for economist pay? ▼
Portland's median economist salary of $123,055 is 10.2% above the Maine state average of $111,661. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Portland, ME? ▼
Portland has a cost of living index of 108% compared to the national average. This means a economist salary of $123,055 in Portland has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a economist in Portland? ▼
Most economist positions in Portland require a master's degree. Key skills include Econometrics, Statistical Analysis, R/Python, Economic Modeling. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.