Physicist Salary in Portland, Maine
The median physicist salary in Portland, ME is $164,624 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median and 10.2% above the Maine state average.
Physicist Pay in Portland: What to Expect (2026)
Portland offers a median physicist salary of $164,624, which is $15,243 above the Maine state average of $149,381. Compared to the national median of $152,430, 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 physicists in Portland spans from $84,240 at the 10th percentile to $257,040 at the 90th percentile — a $172,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $88,560, while senior physicists 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.
Physicist Salary in Portland by Experience
In Portland, an entry-level physicist earns around $88,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $237,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Portland, ME
| Percentile | Portland |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $84,240 |
| 25th Percentile | $116,640 |
| Median (50th) | $164,624 |
| 75th Percentile | $210,600 |
| 90th Percentile | $257,040 |
Physicist Salary in Other Maine Cities
How to Become a Physicist in Portland
Education
Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. Portland and the surrounding Maine area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, physicist 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 Physicist Jobs in Portland
Browse open physicist positions in Portland, ME: