Accountant Salary in South Portland, ME: $81,522 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time accountant in South Portland, ME earns a median $81,522/year (≈ $39.20/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Once you factor in South Portland's price level (0% above national, BEA RPP 99.6), that paycheck buys what $81,849 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.7% below the Maine state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the average compensation for accountants in South Portland, Maine, is projected to be $81,522 annually, which reflects a competitive positioning within the local job market. With salaries ranging from $59,011 at the 10th percentile to $126,358 at the 90th percentile, candidates may find opportunities across a spectrum of roles. These figures, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional economic conditions, signal a market that offers ample potential for career growth, albeit slightly lower than the projected national median of $85,864. The dynamic here showcases the differing pay structures between Big 4 firms, corporate accounting, and regional practices, indicating that while South Portland has its local salary norms, the competition remains robust for those aiming for higher roles in larger firms or specific industries.
About the South Portland Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($74,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,011 | $28.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66,147 | $31.80 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $81,522 | $39.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $104,347 | $50.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $126,358 | $60.75 |
Median Salary Position
5.06% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in South Portland
In South Portland, ME, the accountant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $67,347 (2026 est.). At $81,522, the local median is 5.06% below the national median of $85,864.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in South Portland: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How South Portland Accountant Pay Compares
South Portland median: $81,522/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | South Portland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maine Average | $85,542 | -4.70% less |
| National Average | $85,864 | -5.06% less |
Accountants in South Portland, ME earn a median of $81,522 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.06% lower than the national median of $85,864 and 4.70% below the Maine state average of $85,542.
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 accountant earning $81,522 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $81,849 in an average-cost city — an effective 0.4% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$67,931
2025 BLS Actual
$79,448
2026 Current Est.
$81,522
2019–2027 Growth
+23.1%
Salary Trajectory for Accountants in South Portland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,931 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,840 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,343 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,055 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,840 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,187 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,448 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,522 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,649 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the South Portland metropolitan area, the median accountant salary grew 17.0% from $67,931 (2019) to $79,448 (2025). At a 2.61% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $83,649 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,718 (23.14%) 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 2.61% 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) | $59,011 – $66,147 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $66,147 – $81,522 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $81,522 – $104,347 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $104,347 – $126,358 |
CPA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual accountant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Accountant Job Market in South Portland
The job market for accounting professionals in South Portland is notably limited, with only four accountants currently employed in the area. The cost of living remains slightly below the national average, with a cost-of-living index of 99.6, which may affect overall take-home income and purchasing power. Employers that typically offer higher salaries include the Big 4 public firms, although local CPA practices and corporate accounting departments can also provide competitive compensation, especially for roles that offer specialized skills like tax compliance or forensic accounting. The discrepancy in pay often stems from qualifications such as CPA licensure and the level of experience, with entry-level positions yielding less while senior roles, especially those aligned with prestigious public firms, significantly enhance earning potential. For accountants seeking to maximize their pay in South Portland, pursuing certifications, aiming for roles in larger firms, or specializing in sought-after niches will be critical strategies.
More salary data for South Portland, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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Written by Sofia Patel, CPA
Career Analyst
Sofia Patel has over 10 years of experience in financial analysis. She specializes in tax preparation for small businesses. She has worked in both corporate and public accounting environments.
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 $79,448 for accountantsin the South Portland metropolitan area. A 2.61% 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 2.61%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for accountants (SOC 13-2011).
Compiled and verified by Sofia Patel, CPA, a licensed accountant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov