Auburn vs Portland: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Auburn, ME and Portland, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Auburn, ME | Portland, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $90,404 | $93,168▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $43.46 | $44.79▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,331 | $82,595▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $79,108 | $87,313▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $99,404 | $109,417▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $116,310▲ | $111,671 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 6,970▲ |
Verdict
Portland, ME offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Auburn.
The salary gap between Auburn and Portland is $2,764 (3.06%). Portland's median is -9.31% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Auburn spans $51,979,Portland spans $29,076. Auburn has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Portland ($91,469 effective) pays 0.77% more than Auburn ($90,767 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Auburn if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($116,310)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($93,168/year)
- ✓Larger job market (6,970 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $91,469)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Auburn grew 13.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 25.5% growth in Portland over the same period.
Auburn, ME
$75,814 (2024) → $85,846 (2025)
Portland, ME
$70,500 (2019) → $88,470 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Auburn, ME
Portland, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Auburn or Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Auburn and Portland?
Should I relocate from Auburn to Portland as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Auburn vs Portland?
Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov