Skip to main content

Federal Government Employee Salary in Portland, ME β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Portland's cost of living (index: 119). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Federal Government Employee Salary in Portland β€” Key Numbers

$115,430
Median Salary
$76,160
25th Percentile
$160,650
75th Percentile
$208,250
90th Percentile
National median (Federal Government Employee)$97,000
vs. National median+19.0%
Portland median household income$72,600
vs. City household income+59.0%

Cost of Living in Portland

Cost of Living Index
119(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,850/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio19.2%
Annual rent cost$22,200
Median Home Price$480,000
Home Price / Salary4.2Γ—
20% Down Payment$96,000
Years to save (20% rate)4.2 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Portland

3.0%
Unemployment Rate
550,000
Metro Population
22 min
Avg Commute
40.4
Median Age

Portland has a metro population of 550,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 3.0% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Federal Government Employee make in Portland, ME?

The estimated median salary for a Federal Government Employee in Portland is $115,430 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $97,000 adjusted by Portland's cost of living index (119). The typical salary range runs from $76,160 (25th percentile) to $160,650 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $208,250.

Is Portland affordable for a Federal Government Employee?

On a $115,430 annual salary, a Federal Government Employee in Portland would spend approximately 19.2% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,850/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Portland relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $480,000 is 4.2Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Federal Government Employee's salary compare to Portland's overall income?

Portland's median household income is $72,600. A Federal Government Employee earning the city-adjusted median of $115,430 earns 59.0% more than the typical Portland household β€” placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.