Healthcare Recruiting
Registered Nurse Salary in Maine 2026: City-by-City Pay Data
Maine registered nurses earn an average of $72,100 per year in 2026. Maine has one of the oldest populations in the US, driving above-average per-capita healthcare demand. Portland's two competing health systems keep southern Maine wages competitive, while rural northern and coastal Maine communities face persistent shortages with meaningful incentives.
Maine RN Salary by City (2026)
| City | Avg Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Portland | $77,000 | $37.02 |
| South Portland | $75,500 | $36.30 |
| Bangor | $72,500 | $34.86 |
| Lewiston / Auburn | $70,500 | $33.89 |
| Augusta | $69,500 | $33.41 |
| Presque Isle / Aroostook | $66,000 | $31.73 |
Highest-Paying Nursing Specialties in Maine
| Specialty | Avg Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| CRNA | $213,000 |
| ICU / Critical Care RN | $84,500 |
| ER / Emergency RN | $82,000 |
| OR / Surgical RN | $80,000 |
| Labor & Delivery RN | $76,500 |
| Med-Surg RN | $71,000 |
Top Employers in Maine
- MaineHealth (Maine Medical Center) — Portland; largest health system in ME; Level I trauma, Tufts University School of Medicine affiliation
- Northern Light Health (Eastern Maine Medical Center) — Bangor; central Maine's major referral system; statewide rural network
- Central Maine Healthcare (CMMC) — Lewiston; Androscoggin County's primary hospital
- MaineGeneral Health — Augusta; Kennebec Valley regional health system
- Aroostook Medical Center (Northern Light) — Presque Isle; The County's critical access system; rural incentive programs
NLC Compact Status
Maine is a full NLC compact member. RNs with a Maine multistate license may practice in any compact state. Maine nurses near the New Hampshire border benefit from compact reciprocity, though New Hampshire (compact) access to Massachusetts (non-compact) still requires a separate MA license.
Maine RN Market Outlook
Maine's Aroostook County and coastal Washington County have NHSC loan repayment eligibility across virtually all healthcare settings. The state's aging population drives demand for geriatric, hospice, and home health nursing above national averages. Travel RN rates in Portland run $1,650–$2,050/week.
Related: RN Salary New Hampshire 2026, RN Salary Vermont 2026, Maine RN License Guide.
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