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Legal Secretary 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.

Legal Secretary Salary in Portland β€” Key Numbers

$61,880
Median Salary
$46,172
25th Percentile
$81,634
75th Percentile
$102,935
90th Percentile
National median (Legal Secretary)$52,000
vs. National median+19.0%
Portland median household income$72,600
vs. City household income-14.8%

Cost of Living in Portland

Cost of Living Index
119(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,850/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio35.9%
Annual rent cost$22,200
Median Home Price$480,000
Home Price / Salary7.8Γ—
20% Down Payment$96,000
Years to save (20% rate)7.8 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 Legal Secretary make in Portland, ME?

The estimated median salary for a Legal Secretary in Portland is $61,880 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $52,000 adjusted by Portland's cost of living index (119). The typical salary range runs from $46,172 (25th percentile) to $81,634 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $102,935.

Is Portland affordable for a Legal Secretary?

On a $61,880 annual salary, a Legal Secretary in Portland would spend approximately 35.9% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,850/month). This exceeds the 35% cost-burden threshold. Many Legal Secretarys in Portland may find housing costs a significant financial pressure. The median home price of $480,000 is 7.8Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Legal Secretary's salary compare to Portland's overall income?

Portland's median household income is $72,600. A Legal Secretary earning the city-adjusted median of $61,880 earns 14.8% less than the typical Portland household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Portland has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.

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.