Lewiston vs South Portland: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Lewiston, ME and South Portland, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lewiston, ME | South Portland, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $72,931▲ | $66,233 |
| Hourly Rate | $35.06▲ | $31.84 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,685▲ | $50,861 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,013▲ | $57,280 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,716▲ | $72,420 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $87,445▲ | $80,945 |
| Total Employed | 7▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Lewiston, ME offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to South Portland.
The salary gap between Lewiston and South Portland is $6,698 (10.11%). Lewiston's median is -1.88% compared to the US national median of $74,332.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lewiston spans $34,760,South Portland spans $30,084. Lewiston 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, Lewiston ($73,224 effective) pays 10.11% more than South Portland ($66,499 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lewiston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($72,931/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($87,445)
- ✓Larger job market (7 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,224)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose South Portland if…
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Lewiston grew 42.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 4.6% growth in South Portland over the same period.
Lewiston, ME
$49,800 (2019) → $70,938 (2025)
South Portland, ME
$61,567 (2024) → $64,423 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lewiston, ME
South Portland, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Lewiston or South Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lewiston and South Portland?
Should I relocate from Lewiston to South Portland as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Lewiston vs South Portland?
Written by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as an occupational therapist. Their specialty is working with children with developmental disorders. They have worked in various healthcare settings including schools and rehabilitation facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.81% 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 Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapy assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov