Lewiston vs Sanford: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Lewiston, ME and Sanford, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lewiston, ME | Sanford, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $145,454▲ | $133,506 |
| Hourly Rate | $69.93▲ | $64.18 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $113,204▲ | $104,286 |
| 25th Percentile | $133,856▲ | $128,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $162,001▲ | $145,416 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $166,085▲ | $148,997 |
| Total Employed | 80▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Lewiston, ME offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sanford.
The salary gap between Lewiston and Sanford is $11,948 (8.95%). Lewiston's median is +1.37% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lewiston spans $52,881,Sanford spans $44,711. 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 ($153,536 effective) pays 14.54% more than Sanford ($134,042 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 ($145,454/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($166,085)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $153,536)
- ✓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, pharmacist salaries in Lewiston grew 12.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.4% growth in Sanford over the same period.
Lewiston, ME
$127,550 (2019) → $142,840 (2025)
Sanford, ME
$120,957 (2024) → $131,107 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lewiston, ME
Sanford, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Lewiston or Sanford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lewiston and Sanford?
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Written by Sofia Chen, PharmD
Career Analyst
Sofia Chen has 10 years of experience in community pharmacy. She specializes in medication therapy management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.83% 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 Sofia Chen, PharmD, a licensed pharmacist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov