Lewiston vs Portland: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Lewiston, ME and Portland, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lewiston, ME | Portland, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $70,052▲ | $68,973 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.67▲ | $33.16 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,437 | $62,213▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $63,939▲ | $63,097 |
| 75th Percentile | $75,414 | $75,959▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,431 | $79,852▲ |
| Total Employed | 30 | 150▲ |
Verdict
Lewiston and Portland are closely matched on overall physical therapist assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Lewiston and Portland is $1,079 (1.56%). Lewiston's median is -0.28% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lewiston spans $24,994,Portland spans $17,639. 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 ($73,944 effective) pays 9.20% more than Portland ($67,715 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 ($70,052/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,944)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($79,852)
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Lewiston grew 35.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.2% growth in Portland over the same period.
Lewiston, ME
$50,340 (2019) → $68,190 (2025)
Portland, ME
$57,270 (2019) → $67,140 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lewiston, ME
Portland, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Lewiston or Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lewiston and Portland?
Should I relocate from Lewiston to Portland as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Lewiston vs Portland?
Written by Jordan Lee, DPT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Jordan works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.73% 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 Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov