Registered Nurse Salaries in Maine — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026How much does a registered nurse make in Maine? The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median salary of $82,860/yr ($39.84/hr), with around 16,280 people working in this field statewide.
Registered Nurse salaries in Maine are below the national average by approximately $7,316. Maine has a state income tax rate of up to 7.15%.
Maine's dense urban areas and high living costs translate into competitive registered nurse salaries.
Maine Registered Nurse Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Maine after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Maine has a state income tax rate of up to 7.15%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Maine has a state income tax rate of up to 7.15%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Maine Registered Nurse Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Maine median of $82,860.
Registered Nurse Salary by Experience — Maine
Registered Nurse Salary Trend in Maine — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataOver the past five years, Maine has seen 13.9% wage growth for registered nurses — broadly in line with cost-of-living changes across the region. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Maine's healthcare and hospitals.
Registered Nurse Salary by City — Maine
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portland | $91,950 | $44.21 | +11.0% | 5,698 |
| Lewiston | $87,850 | $42.24 | +6.0% | 4,558 |
| Bangor | $85,350 | $41.03 | +3.0% | 2,930 |
| South Portland | $79,550 | $38.25 | -4.0% | 1,465 |
| Auburn | $75,400 | $36.25 | -9.0% | 976 |
| Augusta | $72,100 | $34.66 | -13.0% | 651 |
Tip: Portland offers the highest registered nurse salaries in Maine at $91,950/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Maine vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Maine sits in the mid-range for registered nurses.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Maine has a state income tax rate of up to 7.15%.
Registered Nurse Job Outlook in Maine
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for registered nurses in Maine is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Maine job market. Maine's dense urban areas and high living costs translate into competitive registered nurse salaries.
How to Earn More as a Registered Nurse in Maine
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a registered nurse in Maine typically adds $67,900 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Board of Nursing can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Portland pays registered nurses $91,950/yr — +11.0% above the Maine average. Simply relocating within Maine can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Registered Nurses who specialise in healthcare and hospitals typically command premium rates in Maine. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. New Hampshire pays registered nurses $96,830/yr — 16.9% vs Maine.
Find Registered Nurse Jobs in Maine
Live ListingsSearch current registered nurse job vacancies in Maine:
🔍 Registered Nurse jobs in Maine — Indeed→ 🔍 Registered Nurse jobs in Maine — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Registered Nurse jobs — Portland, ME→