Portland vs Scarborough: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist 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 | $67,130 | $75,432▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.27 | $36.26▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,739 | $50,571▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $46,713 | $65,900▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $121,719▲ | $83,945 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $134,218▲ | $93,193 |
| Total Employed | 290▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Portland and Scarborough are closely matched on overall dietitian and nutritionist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Portland and Scarborough is $8,302 (12.37%). Scarborough's median is -4.97% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Portland spans $97,479,Scarborough spans $42,622. 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 ($75,735 effective) pays 14.91% more than Portland ($65,905 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 ($134,218)
- ✓Larger job market (290 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose Scarborough if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($75,432/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,735)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Portland grew 10.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.8% growth in Scarborough over the same period.
Portland, ME
$58,330 (2019) → $64,610 (2025)
Scarborough, ME
$62,719 (2024) → $72,601 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Portland, ME
Scarborough, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Portland or Scarborough?
What is the hourly rate difference between Portland and Scarborough?
Should I relocate from Portland to Scarborough as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Portland vs Scarborough?
Written by Aisha Patel, MS, RD
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a nutrition consultant. She specializes in sports nutrition. Aisha works with professional athletes and teams.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.90% 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 Aisha Patel, MS, RD, a licensed dietitian and nutritionist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov