Average Social and Human Service Assistants Salary in Portland-South Portland, ME
In Portland-South Portland, ME, Social and Human Service Assistants earn an average annual salary of $47,870, which is notably higher than the national average of $45,460. This localized premium is often driven by the specific demands and economic conditions within the region, reflecting a strong need for these vital support roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $47,870 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $57,330.
- Outlook: The job market for Social and Human Service Assistants in Portland-South Portland, ME, appears robust, with a total local workforce of 1,780 individuals. The Location Quotient of 2.28 indicates a significant concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a sustained demand and a potentially stable job outlook for professionals in this field.
Salary Overview
The average Social and Human Service Assistants in Portland-South Portland, ME earns+5.3%above the national average.
$23
$921
$3,989
Social and Human Service Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Social and Human Service Assistants in Portland-South Portland, ME, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic factors and increasing demand for social services likely contribute to a positive trajectory in compensation for these essential workers.
Social and Human Service Assistants Salary Distribution in Portland-South Portland, ME
Career progression for Social and Human Service Assistants typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior or specialized roles command higher salaries, reflecting accumulated expertise and responsibility. The percentile gaps in salary distribution signify clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $39,760 | $19.1 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $35,903 | $17.3 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $46,360 | $22.3 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $59,838 | $28.8 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $57,330 | $27.6 |
Detailed Social and Human Service Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$47,870
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$47,870
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $47,870 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 the salary is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial environment for residents without the added pressure of a significantly higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
1,780
Total Jobs
6.269
Per 1K Jobs
2.28
Location Quotient
Portland-South Portland, ME has 2.3x the national concentration of Social and Human Service Assistants jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 2.28, Portland-South Portland, ME, exhibits a job market that is more than twice as concentrated with Social and Human Service Assistants compared to the national average. This high concentration suggests a strong local demand for these professionals and potentially fewer candidates per opening, making it a favorable market for job seekers in this sector.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Social and Human Service Assistants
Comparing salaries near Portland-South Portland, ME
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Social and Human Service Assistants make in Portland-South Portland, ME?
The median annual salary for a Social and Human Service Assistants in Portland-South Portland, ME is $47,870. This typically ranges from $39,760 for entry-level positions to $57,330 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 5.3% higher than the national median of $45,460.
Is Portland-South Portland, ME a lucrative place for Social and Human Service Assistants?
Yes, it is a relatively lucrative place for Social and Human Service Assistants.The average salary is higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating good earning potential.
Is Portland-South Portland, ME a good place to live for Social and Human Service Assistants?
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 ($46,220) and Central New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Portland-South Portland, ME salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Social and Human Service Assistants in Portland-South Portland, ME, is $47,870, which is $2,410 higher than the national average of $45,460.
What is the concentration of Social and Human Service Assistants in Portland-South Portland, ME?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 2.28, meaning there are more than double the national average of these professionals per worker in the Portland-South Portland, ME area.
Does the cost of living affect the value of the salary in Portland-South Portland, ME?
No, the cost of living in Portland-South Portland, ME, is exactly at the national average (100), so the nominal salary of $47,870 holds its purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
How many Social and Human Service Assistants are employed in Portland-South Portland, ME?
There are approximately 1,780 Social and Human Service Assistants employed in the Portland-South Portland, ME metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,780 employees in the Portland-South Portland, ME area with a job density of 6.269 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Social and Human Service Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Portland-South Portland, ME