Augusta vs Portland: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Augusta, ME and Portland, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Augusta, ME | Portland, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $233,760 | $269,964▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $112.39 | $129.80▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $168,038 | $186,320▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $212,399 | $236,574▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $287,462 | $288,427▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $322,573 | $361,425▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 190▲ |
Verdict
Portland, ME offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Augusta.
The salary gap between Augusta and Portland is $36,204 (15.49%). Portland's median is +8.47% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Augusta spans $154,535,Portland spans $175,105. Portland has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse anesthetists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Portland ($265,040 effective) pays 12.93% more than Augusta ($234,699 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Augusta if…
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($269,964/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($361,425)
- ✓Larger job market (190 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $265,040)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Augusta grew 12.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.5% growth in Portland over the same period.
Augusta, ME
$197,232 (2024) → $222,205 (2025)
Portland, ME
$193,670 (2019) → $256,620 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Augusta, ME
Portland, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Augusta or Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Augusta and Portland?
Should I relocate from Augusta to Portland as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Augusta vs Portland?
Written by Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA
Career Analyst
Alexandra Johnson has 10 years of experience as a nurse anesthetist. She specializes in anesthesia for orthopedic surgeries. She works in a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.20% 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 Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA, a licensed nurse anesthetist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov