Lewiston vs Portland: Plumber Salary (2026)
Compare plumber 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 | $63,706 | $66,125▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.63 | $31.79▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,124 | $51,178▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $62,722 | $65,049▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $76,982 | $78,828▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,453 | $83,174▲ |
| Total Employed | 190 | 1,740▲ |
Verdict
Portland, ME offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lewiston.
The salary gap between Lewiston and Portland is $2,419 (3.80%). Portland's median is +1.10% compared to the US national median of $65,408.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lewiston spans $33,329,Portland spans $31,996. 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 ($67,246 effective) pays 3.58% more than Portland ($64,919 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lewiston if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,246)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,125/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,174)
- ✓Larger job market (1,740 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Lewiston grew 27.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.0% growth in Portland over the same period.
Lewiston, ME
$48,680 (2019) → $62,140 (2025)
Portland, ME
$54,650 (2019) → $64,500 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lewiston, ME
Portland, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays plumbers more: Lewiston or Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lewiston and Portland?
Should I relocate from Lewiston to Portland as a plumber?
What do entry-level plumbers earn in Lewiston vs Portland?
Written by Samuel Torres, CWP
Career Analyst
Samuel Torres has 10 years of experience in plumbing. He specializes in residential plumbing systems. He has worked with several home improvement companies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.52% 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 Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov