Portland vs Scarborough: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Portland, ME and Scarborough, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Portland, ME | Scarborough, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,193 | $103,142▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.65 | $49.58▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,891 | $59,822▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $67,548 | $75,618▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $187,675▲ | $132,022 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $662,091▲ | $159,870 |
| Total Employed | 590▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Portland and Scarborough are closely matched on overall financial advisor compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Portland and Scarborough is $1,949 (1.93%). Scarborough's median is -4.97% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Portland spans $603,200,Scarborough spans $100,048. 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, Scarborough ($103,556 effective) pays 4.24% more than Portland ($99,347 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($662,091)
- ✓Larger job market (590 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose Scarborough if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,142/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,556)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Portland grew -15.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.2% growth in Scarborough over the same period.
Portland, ME
$115,990 (2019) → $97,960 (2025)
Scarborough, ME
$87,426 (2024) → $99,847 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Portland, ME
Scarborough, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors more: Portland or Scarborough?
What is the hourly rate difference between Portland and Scarborough?
Should I relocate from Portland to Scarborough as a financial advisor?
What do entry-level financial advisors earn in Portland vs Scarborough?
Written by Jordan Lee, CFP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 10 years of experience in financial planning. They specialize in retirement planning for individuals. They work at a financial services firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.30% 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 Jordan Lee, CFP, a licensed financial advisor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov