Legal Portland, ME Pop. 68,408

Lawyer Salary in Portland, Maine

The median lawyer salary in Portland, ME is $146,599 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median and 10.2% above the Maine state average.

City Median
$146,599
vs State Avg
+$13,574
vs National
+$10,859
Cost of Living
108%

Lawyer Pay in Portland: What to Expect (2026)

Portland offers a median lawyer salary of $146,599, which is $13,574 above the Maine state average of $133,025. Compared to the national median of $135,740, 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 lawyers in Portland spans from $70,200 at the 10th percentile to $258,336 at the 90th percentile — a $188,136 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $75,600, while senior lawyers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $237,600. Portland is a smaller market (pop. 68,408), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Lawyer Salary in Portland by Experience

In Portland, an entry-level lawyer earns around $75,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $237,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$75,600
+$5,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$149,040
+$11,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$237,600
+$17,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Portland, ME

Percentile Portland
10th Percentile $70,200
25th Percentile $91,800
Median (50th) $146,599
75th Percentile $200,880
90th Percentile $258,336

Lawyer Salary in Other Maine Cities

How to Become a Lawyer in Portland

Education

Most lawyer positions require a doctoral degree. Portland and the surrounding Maine area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Legal ResearchLitigationContract LawNegotiationWestlaw/LexisNexisOral Advocacy

Job Outlook

Nationally, lawyer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Portland may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Lawyer Jobs in Portland

Browse open lawyer positions in Portland, ME:

Frequently Asked Questions: Lawyer Salary in Portland

How much does a Lawyer make in Portland, ME? ▼
The median lawyer salary in Portland, Maine is $146,599 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median of $135,740. Salaries range from $70,200 (10th percentile) to $258,336 (90th percentile).
How much does a Lawyer make per hour in Portland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $146,599, a lawyer in Portland earns approximately $70 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Portland compare to the Maine state average for lawyer pay? ▼
Portland's median lawyer salary of $146,599 is 10.2% above the Maine state average of $133,025. 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 lawyer salary of $146,599 in Portland has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a lawyer in Portland? ▼
Most lawyer positions in Portland require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Legal Research, Litigation, Contract Law, Negotiation. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.