Business & Finance South Portland, ME Pop. 25,665

Economist Salary in South Portland, Maine

The median economist salary in South Portland, ME is $119,637 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 7.1% above the Maine state average.

City Median
$119,637
vs State Avg
+$7,976
vs National
+$5,697
Cost of Living
105%

Economist Pay in South Portland: What to Expect (2026)

South Portland offers a median economist salary of $119,637, which is $7,976 above the Maine state average of $111,661. Compared to the national median of $113,940, South Portland pays above average for this role.

South Portland's cost of living is 105% 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 South Portland spans from $65,100 at the 10th percentile to $207,900 at the 90th percentile — a $142,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $68,250, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $194,250. South Portland is a smaller market (pop. 25,665), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Economist Salary in South Portland by Experience

In South Portland, an entry-level economist earns around $68,250, while experienced professionals earn up to $194,250 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$68,250
+$3,250 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$120,750
+$5,750 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$194,250
+$9,250 vs national

Salary Percentiles in South Portland, ME

Percentile South Portland
10th Percentile $65,100
25th Percentile $86,100
Median (50th) $119,637
75th Percentile $162,750
90th Percentile $207,900

Economist Salary in Other Maine Cities

Portland, ME
$123,055
Pop. 68,408
Bangor, ME
$104,825
Pop. 32,029
Lewiston, ME
$102,546
Pop. 37,121
Auburn, ME
$101,407
Pop. 23,926

How to Become a Economist in South Portland

Education

Most economist positions require a master's degree. South 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 South Portland may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Economist Jobs in South Portland

Browse open economist positions in South Portland, ME:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in South Portland

How much does a Economist make in South Portland, ME? ▼
The median economist salary in South Portland, Maine is $119,637 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $65,100 (10th percentile) to $207,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in South Portland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $119,637, a economist in South Portland earns approximately $58 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does South Portland compare to the Maine state average for economist pay? ▼
South Portland's median economist salary of $119,637 is 7.1% above the Maine state average of $111,661. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in South Portland, ME? ▼
South Portland has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a economist salary of $119,637 in South Portland has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a economist in South Portland? ▼
Most economist positions in South 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.