Portland vs South Portland: Chiropractor Salary (2026)
Compare chiropractor salaries between Portland, ME and South Portland, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Portland, ME | South Portland, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,482▲ | $101,047 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.79▲ | $48.58 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,985▲ | $60,570 |
| 25th Percentile | $75,848 | $77,634▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $134,041▲ | $129,341 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $203,046▲ | $156,623 |
| Total Employed | 120▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Portland, ME offers better overall compensation for chiropractors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to South Portland.
The salary gap between Portland and South Portland is $435 (0.43%). Portland's median is +25.26% compared to the US national median of $81,014.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Portland spans $142,061,South Portland spans $96,053. Portland has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, South Portland ($101,453 effective) pays 1.83% more than Portland ($99,631 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($101,482/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($203,046)
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose South Portland if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,453)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, chiropractor salaries in Portland grew 9.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 31.7% growth in South Portland over the same period.
Portland, ME
$90,370 (2019) → $99,210 (2025)
South Portland, ME
$75,035 (2024) → $98,785 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Portland, ME
South Portland, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays chiropractors more: Portland or South Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Portland and South Portland?
Should I relocate from Portland to South Portland as a chiropractor?
What do entry-level chiropractors earn in Portland vs South Portland?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, D.C.
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience as a chiropractor. She specializes in sports injuries and practices in a private clinic. Maria also conducts workshops for community health education.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.29% 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 Maria Gonzalez, D.C., a licensed chiropractor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov