Lewiston vs South Portland: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Lewiston, ME and South Portland, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lewiston, ME | South Portland, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $260,338 | $268,809▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $125.17 | $129.24▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $247,998▲ | $190,911 |
| 25th Percentile | $247,998▲ | $238,002 |
| 75th Percentile | $312,234 | $333,435▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $377,889 | $378,897▲ |
| Total Employed | 60▲ | 4 |
Verdict
South Portland, ME offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lewiston.
The salary gap between Lewiston and South Portland is $8,471 (3.25%). South Portland's median is +8.00% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lewiston spans $129,891,South Portland spans $187,986. South 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, Lewiston ($274,804 effective) pays 1.82% more than South Portland ($269,889 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lewiston if…
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $274,804)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose South Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($268,809/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($378,897)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Lewiston grew 46.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 26.5% growth in South Portland over the same period.
Lewiston, ME
$169,530 (2019) → $247,470 (2025)
South Portland, ME
$202,017 (2024) → $255,522 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lewiston, ME
South Portland, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Lewiston or South Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lewiston and South Portland?
Should I relocate from Lewiston to South Portland as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Lewiston vs South 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