Auburn vs Portland: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Auburn, ME and Portland, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Auburn, ME | Portland, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $69,879 | $80,279▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $33.59 | $38.59▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,606 | $67,046▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $67,827 | $74,592▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $78,792 | $84,433▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,443 | $87,794▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 300▲ |
Verdict
Portland, ME offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Auburn.
The salary gap between Auburn and Portland is $10,400 (14.88%). Portland's median is +17.93% 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,Portland spans $20,748. 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, Portland ($78,815 effective) pays 12.34% 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 Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($80,279/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($87,794)
- ✓Larger job market (300 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $78,815)
- ✓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 50.2% growth in Portland over the same period.
Auburn, ME
$53,351 (2024) → $66,111 (2025)
Portland, ME
$50,570 (2019) → $75,950 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Auburn, ME
Portland, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Auburn or Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Auburn and Portland?
Should I relocate from Auburn to Portland as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Auburn vs Portland?
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