Lewiston vs South Portland: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Lewiston, ME and South Portland, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lewiston, ME | South Portland, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $100,718 | $104,899▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.42 | $50.43▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,189 | $84,717▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $94,232▲ | $89,114 |
| 75th Percentile | $108,874 | $123,394▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $122,655 | $135,661▲ |
| Total Employed | 130▲ | 4 |
Verdict
South Portland, ME offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lewiston.
The salary gap between Lewiston and South Portland is $4,181 (4.15%). South Portland's median is -0.37% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lewiston spans $41,466,South Portland spans $50,944. South Portland has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Lewiston ($106,314 effective) pays 0.94% more than South Portland ($105,320 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lewiston if…
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,314)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose South Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($104,899/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($135,661)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Lewiston grew 26.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.3% growth in South Portland over the same period.
Lewiston, ME
$77,870 (2019) → $98,300 (2025)
South Portland, ME
$86,579 (2024) → $102,380 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lewiston, ME
South Portland, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Lewiston or South Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lewiston and South Portland?
Should I relocate from Lewiston to South Portland as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Lewiston vs South Portland?
Written by Alex Morgan, DPT
Career Analyst
Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% 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 Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov