Portland vs Sanford: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Portland, ME and Sanford, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Portland, ME | Sanford, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,167▲ | $44,883 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.64▲ | $21.57 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,046▲ | $39,008 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,295▲ | $39,788 |
| 75th Percentile | $52,003▲ | $46,456 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $62,410▲ | $54,214 |
| Total Employed | 840▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Portland, ME offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sanford.
The salary gap between Portland and Sanford is $4,284 (9.54%). 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 Portland spans $22,364,Sanford spans $15,206. Portland has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Portland ($48,270 effective) pays 7.12% more than Sanford ($45,063 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,167/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($62,410)
- ✓Larger job market (840 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,270)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose Sanford if…
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Portland grew 42.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.9% growth in Sanford over the same period.
Portland, ME
$32,670 (2019) → $46,630 (2025)
Sanford, ME
$39,078 (2024) → $42,567 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Portland, ME
Sanford, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Portland or Sanford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Portland and Sanford?
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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