Lewiston vs Portland: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Lewiston, ME and Portland, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lewiston, ME | Portland, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,604 | $49,167▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.41 | $23.64▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,486 | $40,046▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $40,130 | $44,295▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $53,142▲ | $52,003 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $60,080 | $62,410▲ |
| Total Employed | 130 | 840▲ |
Verdict
Portland, ME offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lewiston.
The salary gap between Lewiston and Portland is $2,563 (5.50%). Portland's median is +1.92% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lewiston spans $21,594,Portland spans $22,364. Portland has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced pharmacy technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Lewiston ($49,194 effective) pays 1.91% more than Portland ($48,270 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lewiston if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,194)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,167/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($62,410)
- ✓Larger job market (840 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Lewiston grew 42.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 42.7% growth in Portland over the same period.
Lewiston, ME
$31,040 (2019) → $44,200 (2025)
Portland, ME
$32,670 (2019) → $46,630 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lewiston, ME
Portland, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Lewiston or Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lewiston and Portland?
Should I relocate from Lewiston to Portland as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Lewiston vs Portland?
Written by Emily Tran, PharmD
Career Analyst
Emily Tran has over 8 years of experience as a pharmacy technician. She specializes in medication therapy management. Her experience includes working in community pharmacies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.44% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Emily Tran, PharmD, a licensed pharmacy technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov