Healthcare Portland, ME Pop. 68,408

Registered Nurse Salary in Portland, Maine

The median registered nurse salary in Portland, ME is $89,342 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median and 10.0% above the Maine state average.

City Median
$89,342
vs State Avg
+$8,122
vs National
+$8,122
Cost of Living
108%

Registered Nurse Pay in Portland: What to Expect (2026)

Portland offers a median registered nurse salary of $89,342, which is $8,122 above the Maine state average of $81,220. Compared to the national median of $81,220, 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 registered nurses in Portland spans from $63,140 at the 10th percentile to $132,880 at the 90th percentile — a $69,740 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $63,800, while senior registered nurses with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $126,500. Portland is a smaller market (pop. 68,408), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Registered Nurse Salary in Portland by Experience

In Portland, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $63,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $126,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$63,800
+$5,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$90,200
+$8,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$126,500
+$11,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Portland, ME

Percentile Portland
10th Percentile $63,140
25th Percentile $73,480
Median (50th) $89,342
75th Percentile $111,210
90th Percentile $132,880

Registered Nurse Salary in Other Maine Cities

South Portland, ME
$86,905
Pop. 25,665
Bangor, ME
$76,347
Pop. 32,029
Lewiston, ME
$74,722
Pop. 37,121
Auburn, ME
$73,910
Pop. 23,926

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Portland

Education

Most registered nurse positions require a bachelor's degree. Portland and the surrounding Maine area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Patient AssessmentMedication AdministrationCritical ThinkingCommunicationEMR SystemsBLS/ACLS

Job Outlook

Nationally, registered nurse employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Portland may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Registered Nurse Jobs in Portland

Browse open registered nurse positions in Portland, ME:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Portland

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Portland, ME? ▼
The median registered nurse salary in Portland, Maine is $89,342 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $63,140 (10th percentile) to $132,880 (90th percentile).
How much does a Registered Nurse make per hour in Portland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $89,342, a registered nurse in Portland earns approximately $43 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Portland compare to the Maine state average for registered nurse pay? ▼
Portland's median registered nurse salary of $89,342 is 10.0% above the Maine state average of $81,220. 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 registered nurse salary of $89,342 in Portland has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a registered nurse in Portland? ▼
Most registered nurse positions in Portland require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Patient Assessment, Medication Administration, Critical Thinking, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.