Portland vs Sanford: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Portland, ME and Sanford, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Portland, ME | Sanford, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $165,992▲ | $130,831 |
| Hourly Rate | $79.80▲ | $62.90 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $112,401▲ | $80,426 |
| 25th Percentile | $120,463▲ | $110,499 |
| 75th Percentile | $182,888▲ | $150,178 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $220,540▲ | $176,012 |
| Total Employed | 100▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Portland, ME offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sanford.
The salary gap between Portland and Sanford is $35,161 (26.88%). Portland's median is +18.05% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Portland spans $108,139,Sanford spans $95,586. Portland 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, Portland ($162,964 effective) pays 24.06% more than Sanford ($131,356 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 ($165,992/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($220,540)
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $162,964)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose Sanford if…
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Portland grew 45.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 5.1% growth in Sanford over the same period.
Portland, ME
$111,120 (2019) → $161,220 (2025)
Sanford, ME
$120,957 (2024) → $127,070 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Portland, ME
Sanford, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Portland or Sanford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Portland and Sanford?
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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