Portland vs South Portland: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Portland, ME and South Portland, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Portland, ME | South Portland, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,973▲ | $68,678 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.16▲ | $33.02 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,213▲ | $51,756 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,097▲ | $60,879 |
| 75th Percentile | $75,959 | $78,865▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,852 | $88,413▲ |
| Total Employed | 150▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Portland, ME offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to South Portland.
The salary gap between Portland and South Portland is $295 (0.43%). Portland's median is -1.81% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Portland spans $17,639,South Portland spans $36,657. South Portland has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapist assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, South Portland ($68,954 effective) pays 1.83% 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 Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,973/year)
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose South Portland if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($88,413)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,954)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Portland grew 17.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.1% growth in South Portland over the same period.
Portland, ME
$57,270 (2019) → $67,140 (2025)
South Portland, ME
$59,643 (2024) → $66,853 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Portland, ME
South Portland, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Portland or South Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Portland and South Portland?
Should I relocate from Portland to South Portland as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Portland vs South 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