Lewiston vs South Portland: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist 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 | $145,454▲ | $142,580 |
| Hourly Rate | $69.93▲ | $68.55 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $113,204▲ | $108,382 |
| 25th Percentile | $133,856▲ | $132,665 |
| 75th Percentile | $162,001 | $163,433▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $166,085 | $173,518▲ |
| Total Employed | 80▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Lewiston, ME offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to South Portland.
The salary gap between Lewiston and South Portland is $2,874 (2.02%). 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,South Portland spans $65,136. South Portland has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced pharmacists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Lewiston ($153,536 effective) pays 7.25% more than South Portland ($143,153 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)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $153,536)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose South Portland if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($173,518)
- ✓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 12.0% growth in South Portland over the same period.
Lewiston, ME
$127,550 (2019) → $142,840 (2025)
South Portland, ME
$125,058 (2024) → $140,018 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lewiston, ME
South Portland, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists 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 pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Lewiston vs South Portland?
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