Legal Maine (ME) Rank #18 of 50

Lawyer Salary in Maine

The median lawyer salary in Maine is $133,025 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $135,740.

Median Salary
$133,025
vs National
$-2,715
State Rank
#18 of 50
Cost of Living
98%

Lawyer Salary Overview in Maine (2026)

Maine ranks #18 out of 50 states for lawyer compensation. Maine falls in the middle of the pack for lawyer pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $133,025 per year, lawyers in Maine earn $2,715 less than the national median of $135,740.

Maine's cost of living is near the national average at 98%, meaning lawyer salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Maine is significant: lawyers at the 10th percentile earn $63,700, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $234,416 — a $170,716 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Maine for this role is Portland, where the median reaches $146,599.

Nationally, lawyer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for lawyers across the country.

Lawyer Salary in Maine by Experience

In Maine, an entry-level lawyer earns around $68,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $215,600 per year. The cost of living index in Maine is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$68,600
$-1,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$135,240
$-2,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$215,600
$-4,400 vs national

You May Qualify for Premium Rewards

Professionals earning $133,025+ often qualify for premium rewards cards with $500+ signup bonuses and 2–5% cashback on every purchase.

View Offers You Qualify For →

Salary Percentiles in Maine

Percentile ME Salary
10th Percentile $63,700
25th Percentile $83,300
Median (50th) $133,025
75th Percentile $182,280
90th Percentile $234,416

Lawyer Salary by City in Maine

The largest employment areas for lawyers in Maine include Portland, Lewiston, Bangor, and South Portland. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Lawyer in Maine

Education

Most lawyer positions require a doctoral degree. Maine has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Legal ResearchLitigationContract LawNegotiationWestlaw/LexisNexisOral Advocacy

Job Outlook in Maine

Nationally, lawyer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Maine's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Negotiate Your Way to Senior Pay

Data shows Lawyers who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $82,575 over your career trajectory.

Get Negotiation Scripts — $197 →

Open to Lawyer Roles in Maine?

Get matched with recruiters hiring lawyers in Maine at competitive salaries.

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: Lawyer Salary in Maine

How much does a Lawyer make in Maine? ▼
The median lawyer salary in Maine is $133,025 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $135,740. Salaries range from $63,700 (10th percentile) to $234,416 (90th percentile).
How much does a Lawyer make per hour in Maine? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $133,025, a lawyer in Maine earns approximately $64 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Maine a good state for lawyers? ▼
Maine ranks #18 out of 50 states for lawyer pay. The cost of living index is 98% of the national average. Entry-level lawyers earn $68,600, while senior professionals earn $215,600.
How does Maine compare to other states for lawyer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for lawyers is Hawaii at $230,758. Maine's median of $133,025 ranks #18 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Vermont ($137,097) and Florida ($133,025).
What is the entry-level lawyer salary in Maine? ▼
An entry-level lawyer in Maine earns approximately $68,600 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $135,240. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $215,600.
What city in Maine pays lawyers the most? ▼
Portland is the highest paying city in Maine for lawyers, with a median salary of $146,599. Other cities include Lewiston and Bangor.