Healthcare Maine (ME) Rank #19 of 50

Registered Nurse Salary in Maine

The median registered nurse salary in Maine is $81,220 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $81,220.

Median Salary
$81,220
vs National
+$0
State Rank
#19 of 50
Cost of Living
98%

Registered Nurse Salary Overview in Maine (2026)

Maine ranks #19 out of 50 states for registered nurse compensation. Maine falls in the middle of the pack for registered nurse pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $81,220 per year, registered nurses in Maine earn $0 more than the national median of $81,220.

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

The salary spread in Maine is significant: registered nurses at the 10th percentile earn $57,400, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $120,800 — a $63,400 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 $89,342.

Nationally, registered nurse employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for registered nurses across the country.

Registered Nurse Salary in Maine by Experience

In Maine, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $58,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $115,000 per year. The cost of living index in Maine is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$58,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$82,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$115,000
+$0 vs national

Build Wealth on Your Income

With a $81,220 income, financial advisors recommend investing 15–20% annually. Start building a diversified portfolio with as little as $10.

See Investment Options →

Salary Percentiles in Maine

Percentile ME Salary
10th Percentile $57,400
25th Percentile $66,800
Median (50th) $81,220
75th Percentile $101,100
90th Percentile $120,800

Registered Nurse Salary by City in Maine

The largest employment areas for registered nurses 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 Registered Nurse in Maine

Education

Most registered nurse positions require a bachelor's degree. Maine has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Patient AssessmentMedication AdministrationCritical ThinkingCommunicationEMR SystemsBLS/ACLS

Job Outlook in Maine

Nationally, registered nurse employment is projected to grow 6% 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 Registered Nurses who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $33,780 over your career trajectory.

Get Negotiation Scripts — $197 →

Open to Registered Nurse Roles in Maine?

Get matched with recruiters hiring registered nurses in Maine at competitive salaries.

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Maine

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Maine? ▼
The median registered nurse salary in Maine is $81,220 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $57,400 (10th percentile) to $120,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Registered Nurse make per hour in Maine? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $81,220, a registered nurse in Maine earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Maine a good state for registered nurses? ▼
Maine ranks #19 out of 50 states for registered nurse pay. The cost of living index is 98% of the national average. Entry-level registered nurses earn $58,000, while senior professionals earn $115,000.
How does Maine compare to other states for registered nurse salary? ▼
The highest paying state for registered nurses is Hawaii at $144,572. Maine's median of $81,220 ranks #19 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Minnesota ($82,032) and Florida ($81,220).
What is the entry-level registered nurse salary in Maine? ▼
An entry-level registered nurse in Maine earns approximately $58,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $82,000. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $115,000.
What city in Maine pays registered nurses the most? ▼
Portland is the highest paying city in Maine for registered nurses, with a median salary of $89,342. Other cities include Lewiston and Bangor.