Brunswick vs Portland: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Brunswick, ME and Portland, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Brunswick, ME | Portland, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,738 | $80,279▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.17 | $38.59▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,733 | $67,046▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $59,709 | $74,592▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $73,274 | $84,433▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,113 | $87,794▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 300▲ |
Verdict
Portland, ME offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Brunswick.
The salary gap between Brunswick and Portland is $17,541 (27.96%). 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 Brunswick spans $25,380,Portland spans $20,748. Brunswick 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 25.12% more than Brunswick ($62,990 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Brunswick 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 Brunswick grew 13.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 50.2% growth in Portland over the same period.
Brunswick, ME
$52,535 (2024) → $59,355 (2025)
Portland, ME
$50,570 (2019) → $75,950 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Brunswick, ME
Portland, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Brunswick or Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Brunswick and Portland?
Should I relocate from Brunswick to Portland as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Brunswick 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