Portland vs South Portland: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Portland, ME and South Portland, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Portland, ME | South Portland, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $269,964▲ | $268,809 |
| Hourly Rate | $129.80▲ | $129.24 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $186,320 | $190,911▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $236,574 | $238,002▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $288,427 | $333,435▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $361,425 | $378,897▲ |
| Total Employed | 190▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Portland, ME offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to South Portland.
The salary gap between Portland and South Portland is $1,155 (0.43%). 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,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, South Portland ($269,889 effective) pays 1.83% more than Portland ($265,040 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)
- ✓Larger job market (190 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose South Portland if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($378,897)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $269,889)
- ✓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 26.5% growth in South Portland over the same period.
Portland, ME
$193,670 (2019) → $256,620 (2025)
South Portland, ME
$202,017 (2024) → $255,522 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Portland, ME
South Portland, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Portland or South Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Portland and South Portland?
Should I relocate from Portland to South Portland as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Portland 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