Lewiston vs Portland: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Lewiston, ME and Portland, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lewiston, ME | Portland, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $132,019▲ | $117,912 |
| Hourly Rate | $63.46▲ | $56.69 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,972 | $83,687▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $104,790▲ | $101,152 |
| 75th Percentile | $135,180 | $138,798▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $174,401▲ | $167,115 |
| Total Employed | 70 | 650▲ |
Verdict
Lewiston, ME offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Portland.
The salary gap between Lewiston and Portland is $14,107 (11.96%). Lewiston's median is +5.59% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lewiston spans $91,429,Portland spans $83,428. Lewiston 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, Lewiston ($139,355 effective) pays 20.38% more than Portland ($115,761 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lewiston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($132,019/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($174,401)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $139,355)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Larger job market (650 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Lewiston grew 107.7% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 27.9% growth in Portland over the same period.
Lewiston, ME
$61,330 (2020) → $127,370 (2025)
Portland, ME
$88,970 (2019) → $113,760 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lewiston, ME
Portland, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% 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 Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov