Pharmacist Salary in Maine: $144,165 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Maine's 10 metropolitan areas, the average median pharmacist pay sits at $144,165/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1051. Because Maine sits at BEA RPP 99.6 (0% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $144,744 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Bangor ($145,210), Lewiston ($142,840), Auburn ($142,800).
The projected average median salary for pharmacists in Maine in 2026 is $144,166, which is slightly above the national median of $143,489, showing a difference of +0.5%. Within the state, there are significant variations in salaries across different cities. Bangor offers the highest average salary at $147,867, while Brunswick presents a lower end at $132,249, resulting in a salary gap of $15,618 between these two locations. Factors influencing this disparity may include local demand for pharmacists, cost of living, and the presence of healthcare facilities. Maine’s licensing requirements stipulate that pharmacists hold a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and pass the required examinations, impacting the workforce. The scope of practice laws in the state allow pharmacists to provide various clinical services, thus contributing to their value within the healthcare system. As of 2026, the demand for pharmacists is expected to grow, with an annual compound growth rate of 1.83%, reflecting evolving healthcare needs and an aging population. With approximately 935 pharmacists employed in the state across 10 metro areas, the job market for pharmacists in Maine remains stable, with opportunities emerging primarily in urban centers like Bangor, Lewiston, and Portland.
Maine Pharmacist Salary Range
Overall salary range in Maine: $91,586 (lowest entry-level) to $173,518 (highest top earner)
Maine vs National Average
Maine pharmacists earn 0.47% more than the national median (+$676/year difference).
Maine Pharmacist Salary Distribution (2026)
Pharmacist salaries in Maine range from $96,924 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $169,077 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $144,165. The Maine median is $676 above the US national median of $143,489. The average hourly rate is $69.31/hr. Approximately 935 pharmacists are employed across 10 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$134,946
2025 BLS Actual
$141,575
2026 Current Est.
$144,165
2019–2027 Growth
+8.8%
Salary Trajectory for Pharmacists in Maine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $134,946 | Actual |
| 2020 | $133,494 | Actual |
| 2021 | $129,699 | Actual |
| 2022 | $134,516 | Actual |
| 2023 | $131,525 | Actual |
| 2024 | $135,973 | Actual |
| 2025 | $141,575 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $144,165 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $146,804 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Maine metropolitan area, the median pharmacist salary grew 4.9% from $134,946 (2019) to $141,575 (2025). At a 1.83% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $146,804 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,858 (8.79%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Maine metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 1.83% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Maine
Lowest Paying Cities in Maine
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Brunswick | $132,249 |
| Sanford | $133,506 |
| Augusta | $134,764 |
| Biddeford | $135,215 |
| Scarborough | $136,354 |
Best Value Cities for Pharmacists in Maine
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Maine cities offer the most purchasing power for pharmacists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lewiston | $145,454 | 94.736 | $153,536 |
| Bangor | $147,867 | 96.508 | $153,217 |
| Auburn | $145,413 | 99.6 | $145,997 |
| South Portland | $142,580 | 99.6 | $143,153 |
| Portland | $143,193 | 101.858 | $140,581 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Maine
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $96,924 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $144,165 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $169,077 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Maine metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 10 Cities in Maine
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bangor | $147,867 |
| 2 | Lewiston | $145,454 |
| 3 | Auburn | $145,413 |
| 4 | Portland | $143,193 |
| 5 | South Portland | $142,580 |
| 6 | Scarborough | $136,354 |
| 7 | Biddeford | $135,215 |
| 8 | Augusta | $134,764 |
| 9 | Sanford | $133,506 |
| 10 | Brunswick | $132,249 |
More Maine Salary Data
Explore More Pharmacist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do pharmacists make in Maine in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for pharmacists in Maine?
How does Maine pharmacist pay compare to the national average?
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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
Statewide salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 1.83% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 pharmacist compensation across Maine. State averages are employment-weighted across 10 metro areas — larger metro areas with more pharmacistscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.83%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for pharmacists (SOC 29-1051).
Compiled and verified by Sofia Chen, PharmD, a licensed pharmacist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov