Portland vs Sanford: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Portland, ME and Sanford, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Portland, ME | Sanford, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $269,964▲ | $231,579 |
| Hourly Rate | $129.80▲ | $111.33 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $186,320▲ | $168,962 |
| 25th Percentile | $236,574▲ | $212,963 |
| 75th Percentile | $288,427▲ | $273,702 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $361,425▲ | $301,661 |
| Total Employed | 190▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Portland, ME offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sanford.
The salary gap between Portland and Sanford is $38,385 (16.58%). 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 Portland spans $175,105,Sanford spans $132,699. Portland 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 ($265,040 effective) pays 13.99% more than Sanford ($232,509 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Sanford if…
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Portland grew 32.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.7% growth in Sanford over the same period.
Portland, ME
$193,670 (2019) → $256,620 (2025)
Sanford, ME
$195,391 (2024) → $220,132 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Portland, ME
Sanford, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Portland or Sanford?
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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