Lewiston vs Sanford: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Lewiston, ME and Sanford, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lewiston, ME | Sanford, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $69,899▲ | $63,335 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.61▲ | $30.45 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,365▲ | $54,037 |
| 25th Percentile | $67,151▲ | $61,011 |
| 75th Percentile | $82,002▲ | $70,953 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,911▲ | $74,208 |
| Total Employed | 60▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Lewiston, ME offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sanford.
The salary gap between Lewiston and Sanford is $6,564 (10.36%). 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 Lewiston spans $22,546,Sanford spans $20,171. Lewiston 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 16.03% more than Sanford ($63,589 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 ($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
Choose Sanford if…
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Lewiston grew 39.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.0% growth in Sanford over the same period.
Lewiston, ME
$47,280 (2019) → $66,130 (2025)
Sanford, ME
$53,035 (2024) → $59,920 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lewiston, ME
Sanford, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Lewiston or Sanford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lewiston and Sanford?
Should I relocate from Lewiston to Sanford as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Lewiston vs Sanford?
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