Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Portland, ME: $80,279 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Portland, ME earns a median $80,279/year (≈ $38.59/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Portland's price level (2% above national, BEA RPP 101.9), that paycheck buys what $78,815 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 18.4% above the Maine state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Portland, Maine, the projected median annual salary for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) is estimated to be $80,279 in 2026, significantly outpacing the national average of $68,071 by 17.93%. This robust figure sits within a salary range that extends from $67,046 at the 10th percentile to $87,794 at the 90th percentile. The city's licensure requirements allow for skilled responsibilities such as IV therapy and patient assessments, which play a critical role in determining compensation levels. These enhanced skills elevate the demand for LPNs in various healthcare settings throughout Portland, contributing to a competitive job market that is projected to grow at a rate of 5.70% annually over the next five years, making it an attractive option for nursing professionals seeking career advancement.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,046 | $32.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $74,592 | $35.86 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $80,279 | $38.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84,433 | $40.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87,794 | $42.22 |
Median Salary Position
17.93% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Portland
In Portland, ME, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $20,748 (2026 est.). At $80,279, the local median is 17.93% above the national median of $68,071.
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At 40 hours/week in Portland: You'd be above the median
How Portland Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Portland median: $80,279/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Portland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maine Average | $67,803 | +18.40% more |
| National Average | $68,071 | +17.93% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Portland, ME earn a median of $80,279 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.93% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 18.40% above the Maine state average of $67,803.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Portland has a cost of living 1.86% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Portland, ME has a cost-of-living index of 101.858 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $80,279 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $78,815 — a 1.82% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$50,570
2025 BLS Actual
$75,950
2026 Current Est.
$80,279
2019–2027 Growth
+67.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Portland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,570 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,410 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,270 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,340 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,390 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,270 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,950 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,279 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,855 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Portland metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 50.2% from $50,570 (2019) to $75,950 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $84,855 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,285 (67.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Portland 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 5.70% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $67,046 – $74,592 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $74,592 – $80,279 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $80,279 – $84,433 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $84,433 – $87,794 |
LPN salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual licensed practical nurse compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Licensed Practical Nurse Job Market in Portland
With around 300 LPNs employed in the Portland area, the job market for licensed practical nurses is relatively strong, yet the cost of living sits just above the national average, with an index of 101.858. This means that while salaries are favorable, the purchasing power may not be as high after accounting for living expenses. Among employers, skilled nursing facilities generally provide the most competitive wages, followed closely by hospitals and home health agencies. The variation in compensation can be attributed to numerous factors, including work setting and additional duties like overseeing IV therapy or working night shifts, which may result in bonus differentials. For LPNs looking to maximize their salaries in Portland, pursuing certifications and being open to shifts at skilled nursing facilities can be effective strategies for enhancing overall earnings in this vibrant healthcare market.
More salary data for Portland, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $75,950 for licensed practical nursesin the Portland metropolitan area. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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 5.70%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for licensed practical nurses (SOC 29-2061).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov