Auburn vs Lewiston: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Auburn, ME and Lewiston, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Auburn, ME | Lewiston, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $69,879 | $69,899▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $33.59 | $33.61▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,606 | $60,365▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $67,827▲ | $67,151 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,792 | $82,002▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,443 | $82,911▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 60▲ |
Verdict
Lewiston, ME offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Auburn.
The salary gap between Auburn and Lewiston is $20 (0.03%). Lewiston's median is +2.69% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Auburn spans $27,837,Lewiston spans $22,546. Auburn 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 ($73,783 effective) pays 5.16% more than Auburn ($70,160 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Auburn if…
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose Lewiston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($69,899/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($82,911)
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,783)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Auburn grew 23.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 39.9% growth in Lewiston over the same period.
Auburn, ME
$53,351 (2024) → $66,111 (2025)
Lewiston, ME
$47,280 (2019) → $66,130 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Auburn, ME
Lewiston, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Auburn or Lewiston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Auburn and Lewiston?
Should I relocate from Auburn to Lewiston as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Auburn vs Lewiston?
Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% 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 Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov