Lewiston vs South Portland: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist 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 | $137,962 | $165,282▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $66.33 | $79.46▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,018 | $98,985▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $109,959 | $134,133▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $164,419 | $199,306▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $197,354 | $240,256▲ |
| Total Employed | 7▲ | 4 |
Verdict
South Portland, ME offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lewiston.
The salary gap between Lewiston and South Portland is $27,320 (19.80%). South Portland's median is +17.54% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lewiston spans $117,336,South Portland spans $141,271. South Portland has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced optometrists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, South Portland ($165,946 effective) pays 19.80% more than Lewiston ($138,516 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 ($165,282/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($240,256)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $165,946)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Lewiston grew 5.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 28.4% growth in South Portland over the same period.
Lewiston, ME
$127,550 (2024) → $133,996 (2025)
South Portland, ME
$125,058 (2024) → $160,530 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lewiston, ME
South Portland, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists 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 optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Lewiston vs South Portland?
Written by Aisha Patel, OD
Career Analyst
Aisha Patel has 10 years of experience in optometry. She specializes in pediatric vision care. Aisha works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.96% 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 Aisha Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov