Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in South Portland, ME: $90,208 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time speech-language pathologist in South Portland, ME earns a median $90,208/year (≈ $43.37/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Once you factor in South Portland's price level (0% above national, BEA RPP 99.6), that paycheck buys what $90,570 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 11.0% below the Maine state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in South Portland, Maine, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $90,208, indicating a steady earning potential in the field. The compensation ranges from $62,810 at the lower end to $121,536 at the higher end. These local estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional economic factors, reveal a notable contrast with the national median salary of $101,775, reflecting a pay gap that appears common in regions where school districts dominate the employment landscape. The division between school-based and medical SLP positions significantly influences salary structures, with year-round contracts generally yielding higher earnings in hospitals or outpatient settings compared to the academic year commitments found in school districts.
About the South Portland Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,810 | $30.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $72,582 | $34.90 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $90,208 | $43.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $105,365 | $50.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $121,536 | $58.43 |
Median Salary Position
11.37% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in South Portland
In South Portland, ME, the speech-language pathologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $58,726 (2026 est.). At $90,208, the local median is 11.37% below the national median of $101,775.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in South Portland: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How South Portland Speech-Language Pathologist Pay Compares
South Portland median: $90,208/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | South Portland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maine Average | $101,358 | -11.00% less |
| National Average | $101,775 | -11.37% less |
Speech-Language Pathologists in South Portland, ME earn a median of $90,208 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.37% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 11.00% below the Maine state average of $101,358.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
South Portland has a cost of living 0.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
South Portland, ME has a cost-of-living index of 99.6 (below the national average of 100). A speech-language pathologist earning $90,208 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $90,570 in an average-cost city — an effective 0.4% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$70,128
2025 BLS Actual
$86,747
2026 Current Est.
$90,208
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Salary Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in South Portland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70,128 | Actual |
| 2020 | $71,333 | Actual |
| 2021 | $70,075 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,577 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,142 | Actual |
| 2024 | $80,807 | Actual |
| 2025 | $86,747 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $90,208 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $93,808 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the South Portland metropolitan area, the median speech-language pathologist salary grew 23.7% from $70,128 (2019) to $86,747 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $93,808 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,680 (33.77%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Portland metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.99% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $62,810 – $72,582 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $72,582 – $90,208 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $90,208 – $105,365 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $105,365 – $121,536 |
SLP salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual speech-language pathologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Speech-Language Pathologist Job Market in South Portland
In South Portland, the local job market supports just four employed speech-language pathologists, which may create a competitive environment but also limits job availability and upward mobility. With a cost of living index at 99.6, the purchasing power of SLPs is slightly below the national average, suggesting that salary negotiations may be crucial for maximizing take-home pay. Typically, those employed in hospital inpatient rehab or skilled nursing facilities tend to command higher salaries compared to their peers in elementary, middle, and high school settings. The disparity often stems from the nature of the work, where medical specialties such as dysphagia management require additional expertise, and specialized certifications may offer further financial incentives. To enhance earning potential, SLPs in South Portland should consider diversifying their skills, including obtaining bilingual proficiency or certifications that are recognized in medical settings, as well as seeking opportunities in telepractice, which has expanded significantly in recent years.
More salary data for South Portland, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $86,747 for speech-language pathologistsin the South Portland metropolitan area. A 3.99% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for South Portland is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.99%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for speech-language pathologists (SOC 29-1127).
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