How does a Professor's salary in Portland compare to the rest of Maine?

Portland's cost of living index is 119 vs. the national average of 100, so salaries are adjusted upward accordingly. A Professor earning the city-adjusted median of $100,412 earns $27,812 more than the median household income in Portland ($72,600).

Professor Salary in Portland, ME — 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.

Professor Salary in Portland — Key Numbers

$100,412

Median Salary

$68,544

25th Percentile

$145,727

75th Percentile

$201,015

90th Percentile

National median (Professor)$84,380

vs. National median+19.0%

Portland median household income$72,600

vs. City household income+38.3%

Cost of Living in Portland

Cost of Living Index

119(100 = avg)

Median Monthly Rent$1,850/mo

Rent-to-Income Ratio22.1%

Annual rent cost$22,200

Median Home Price$480,000

Home Price / Salary4.8×

20% Down Payment$96,000

Years to save (20% rate)4.8 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3× is affordable; above 5× 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.

Financial Calculators for Portland

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Cost of Living — Portland

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Professor Salary in Maine

Statewide salary breakdown

Other Professions in Portland

Physician$272,867 Chief Executive Officer$249,900 Dentist$208,857 IT Manager$201,717 Marketing Manager$187,568 Lawyer$173,454

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Professor make in Portland, ME?

The estimated median salary for a Professor in Portland is $100,412 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $84,380 adjusted by Portland's cost of living index (119). The typical salary range runs from $68,544 (25th percentile) to $145,727 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $201,015.

Is Portland affordable for a Professor?

On a $100,412 annual salary, a Professor in Portland would spend approximately 22.1% 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 4.8× the annual salary.

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

Portland's median household income is $72,600. A Professor earning the city-adjusted median of $100,412 earns 38.3% more than the typical Portland household — placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Explore More Salary Data

Professor — National Professor in Maine All Salary Guides

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.