Average Lawyers Salary in Portland-South Portland, ME
Lawyers in Portland-South Portland, ME, earn an average annual salary of $130,310. This figure is notably below the national average of $194,940, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the concentration of legal services, play a significant role in compensation within this specific region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $130,310 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $224,330.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,210 legal professionals and a Location Quotient of 0.88, the Portland-South Portland area exhibits a slightly lower concentration of lawyers compared to the national average. This indicates a stable, yet not overly saturated, job market for legal professionals, suggesting consistent demand for their services within the community.
Salary Overview
The average Lawyers in Portland-South Portland, ME earns-33.2%below the national average.
$62.7
$2,506
$10,859
Lawyers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that the legal profession in most metropolitan areas, including Portland-South Portland, has experienced steady salary growth over the past four years. Factors such as inflation, increasing demand for specialized legal expertise, and the overall economic health of the region likely contribute to this upward trend in compensation.
Lawyers Salary Distribution in Portland-South Portland, ME
The salary range for lawyers in Portland-South Portland, ME, typically widens with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned senior lawyers can command salaries significantly above the average. The gap between different experience levels, often reflected in salary percentiles, signifies clear career progression and earning potential within the legal field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal AssistantResearch, drafting documents, case support. | 10% (Entry) | $59,370 | $28.5 |
| AssociateHandling depositions, smaller cases independently. | 25% (Junior) | $97,733 | $47 |
| Senior AssociateLead on cases, client management, trial experience. | 50% (Median) | $102,250 | $49.2 |
| Counsel / PartnerBusiness development, specialized high-stakes cases. | 75% (Senior) | $162,888 | $78.3 |
| Managing PartnerFirm leadership. Executive strategy. | 90% (Expert) | $224,330 | $107.9 |
Detailed Lawyers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$130,310
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$130,310
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $130,310 in Portland-South Portland, ME, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a lawyer's salary in this area is equivalent to the national standard, offering a balanced lifestyle without significant financial strain related to living expenses.
Job Market Context
1,210
Total Jobs
4.255
Per 1K Jobs
0.88
Location Quotient
Portland-South Portland, ME has 0.88x the national average concentration of Lawyers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.88 suggests that the concentration of lawyers in Portland-South Portland, ME, is slightly below the national average. This indicates a competitive job market where demand is present but not overwhelmingly high, offering a balanced environment for both job seekers and employers. It implies that while opportunities exist, securing a position may require demonstrating specialized skills or experience.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Lawyers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lewiston-Auburn, ME Lawyers Salary | $110,270↓ 15% | 29 mi |
| Central New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area Lawyers Salary | $152,260↑ 17% | 67 mi |
| Northern New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area Lawyers Salary | $153,290↑ 18% | 67 mi |
| Southwestern New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area Lawyers Salary | $113,220↓ 13% | 67 mi |
| Manchester-Nashua, NH Lawyers Salary | $188,440↑ 45% | 76 mi |
Comparing salaries near Portland-South Portland, ME
Hiring Lawyerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Lawyers make in Portland-South Portland, ME?
The median annual salary for a Lawyers in Portland-South Portland, ME is $130,310. This typically ranges from $59,370 for entry-level positions to $224,330 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Portland-South Portland, ME is 33.2% lower than the national median of $194,940.
Is Portland-South Portland, ME a lucrative place for Lawyerss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the average salary of $130,310 is substantial, it falls significantly short of the national average for lawyers. However, the cost of living being at the national average provides good purchasing power.
Is Portland-South Portland, ME a good place to live for Lawyers?
The Cost of Living Index in Portland-South Portland, ME is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Portland-South Portland, ME?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lewiston-Auburn, ME ($110,270) and Central New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Portland-South Portland lawyer salary compare to the national average?
Lawyers in Portland-South Portland, ME, earn an average of $130,310 annually, which is considerably lower than the national average of $194,940.
What is the job market like for lawyers in Portland-South Portland, ME?
The job market is stable with a slight underrepresentation of lawyers compared to the national average (LQ of 0.88), indicating consistent demand without oversaturation.
Does the cost of living in Portland-South Portland, ME affect lawyer salaries?
The cost of living in Portland-South Portland, ME, is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $130,310 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national standard.
What is the total number of lawyers in Portland-South Portland, ME?
There are approximately 1,210 lawyers employed in the Portland-South Portland, ME, area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,210 employees in the Portland-South Portland, ME area with a job density of 4.255 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Lawyers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Portland-South Portland, ME