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Military Enlisted 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.

Military Enlisted Salary in Portland β€” Key Numbers

$48,790
Median Salary
$35,105
25th Percentile
$67,592
75th Percentile
$88,060
90th Percentile
National median (Military Enlisted)$41,000
vs. National median+19.0%
Portland median household income$72,600
vs. City household income-32.8%

Cost of Living in Portland

Cost of Living Index
119(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,850/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio45.5%
Annual rent cost$22,200
Median Home Price$480,000
Home Price / Salary9.8Γ—
20% Down Payment$96,000
Years to save (20% rate)9.8 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 Military Enlisted make in Portland, ME?

The estimated median salary for a Military Enlisted in Portland is $48,790 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $41,000 adjusted by Portland's cost of living index (119). The typical salary range runs from $35,105 (25th percentile) to $67,592 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $88,060.

Is Portland affordable for a Military Enlisted?

On a $48,790 annual salary, a Military Enlisted in Portland would spend approximately 45.5% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,850/month). This exceeds the 35% cost-burden threshold. Many Military Enlisteds in Portland may find housing costs a significant financial pressure. The median home price of $480,000 is 9.8Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Military Enlisted's salary compare to Portland's overall income?

Portland's median household income is $72,600. A Military Enlisted earning the city-adjusted median of $48,790 earns 32.8% 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.