Science & Research South Portland, ME Pop. 25,665

Physicist Salary in South Portland, Maine

The median physicist salary in South Portland, ME is $160,052 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 7.1% above the Maine state average.

City Median
$160,052
vs State Avg
+$10,671
vs National
+$7,622
Cost of Living
105%

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

South Portland offers a median physicist salary of $160,052, which is $10,671 above the Maine state average of $149,381. Compared to the national median of $152,430, 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 physicists in South Portland spans from $81,900 at the 10th percentile to $249,900 at the 90th percentile — a $168,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $86,100, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $231,000. South Portland is a smaller market (pop. 25,665), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Physicist Salary in South Portland by Experience

In South Portland, an entry-level physicist earns around $86,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $231,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$86,100
+$4,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$162,750
+$7,750 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$231,000
+$11,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in South Portland, ME

Percentile South Portland
10th Percentile $81,900
25th Percentile $113,400
Median (50th) $160,052
75th Percentile $204,750
90th Percentile $249,900

Physicist Salary in Other Maine Cities

Portland, ME
$164,624
Pop. 68,408
Bangor, ME
$140,236
Pop. 32,029
Lewiston, ME
$137,187
Pop. 37,121
Auburn, ME
$135,663
Pop. 23,926

How to Become a Physicist in South Portland

Education

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

Key Skills

Mathematical ModelingExperimental PhysicsPython/MATLABData AnalysisScientific WritingLaboratory Equipment

Job Outlook

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

Find Physicist Jobs in South Portland

Browse open physicist positions in South Portland, ME:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in South Portland

How much does a Physicist make in South Portland, ME? ▼
The median physicist salary in South Portland, Maine is $160,052 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $81,900 (10th percentile) to $249,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in South Portland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $160,052, a physicist in South Portland earns approximately $77 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does South Portland compare to the Maine state average for physicist pay? ▼
South Portland's median physicist salary of $160,052 is 7.1% above the Maine state average of $149,381. 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 physicist salary of $160,052 in South Portland has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in South Portland? ▼
Most physicist positions in South Portland require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Mathematical Modeling, Experimental Physics, Python/MATLAB, Data Analysis. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.