Auburn vs Portland: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Auburn, ME and Portland, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Auburn, ME | Portland, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $92,120▲ | $90,596 |
| Hourly Rate | $44.29▲ | $43.56 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,276▲ | $57,538 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,829 | $79,636▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $102,980 | $103,730▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $115,189▲ | $114,815 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 260▲ |
Verdict
Auburn, ME offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Portland.
The salary gap between Auburn and Portland is $1,524 (1.68%). Auburn's median is -9.49% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Auburn spans $55,913,Portland spans $57,277. Portland has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced speech-language pathologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Auburn ($92,490 effective) pays 3.99% more than Portland ($88,943 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Auburn if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($92,120/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($115,189)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $92,490)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Larger job market (260 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Auburn grew 12.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 41.8% growth in Portland over the same period.
Auburn, ME
$78,622 (2024) → $88,585 (2025)
Portland, ME
$61,430 (2019) → $87,120 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Auburn, ME
Portland, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Auburn or Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Auburn and Portland?
Should I relocate from Auburn to Portland as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Auburn vs Portland?
Written by Jordan Lee, CCC-SLP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 8 years of experience in speech-language pathology. He specializes in pediatric language disorders. He works in a community health clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.99% 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, CCC-SLP, a licensed speech-language pathologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov