Lewiston vs South Portland: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational 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 | $86,890 | $88,796▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.77 | $42.69▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,711 | $68,405▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $82,201▲ | $73,986 |
| 75th Percentile | $99,711 | $103,036▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,884 | $114,842▲ |
| Total Employed | 90▲ | 4 |
Verdict
South Portland, ME offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lewiston.
The salary gap between Lewiston and South Portland is $1,906 (2.19%). South Portland's median is -14.12% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lewiston spans $38,173,South Portland spans $46,437. South Portland has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Lewiston ($91,718 effective) pays 2.88% more than South Portland ($89,153 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 (90 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $91,718)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose South Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($88,796/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($114,842)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Lewiston grew 31.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 4.1% growth in South Portland over the same period.
Lewiston, ME
$64,170 (2019) → $84,310 (2025)
South Portland, ME
$82,731 (2024) → $86,160 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lewiston, ME
South Portland, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational 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 occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Lewiston vs South Portland?
Written by Jordan Miller, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in occupational therapy. They specialize in pediatrics and work in a rehabilitation clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% 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 Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov