Lewiston vs South Portland: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian 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 | $134,745 | $137,681▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $64.78 | $66.20▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,152 | $85,288▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $104,495 | $108,771▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $169,584 | $175,219▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $208,855 | $213,405▲ |
| Total Employed | 7▲ | 4 |
Verdict
South Portland, ME offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lewiston.
The salary gap between Lewiston and South Portland is $2,936 (2.18%). South Portland's median is +0.25% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lewiston spans $130,703,South Portland spans $128,117. 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, South Portland ($138,234 effective) pays 2.18% more than Lewiston ($135,286 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 (7 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose South Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($137,681/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($213,405)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $138,234)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Lewiston grew 31.1% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 16.9% growth in South Portland over the same period.
Lewiston, ME
$97,370 (2021) → $127,648 (2025)
South Portland, ME
$111,590 (2024) → $130,429 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lewiston, ME
South Portland, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians 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 veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Lewiston vs South Portland?
Written by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM
Career Analyst
Dr. Alice Nguyen has 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She specializes in small animal surgery. She currently works at a suburban veterinary clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.56% 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 Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov