Portland vs Scarborough: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)
Compare graphic designer 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 | $69,923▲ | $61,840 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.62▲ | $29.73 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,398▲ | $40,482 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,786▲ | $51,043 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,776▲ | $76,634 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $86,554 | $94,346▲ |
| Total Employed | 270▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Portland, ME offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Scarborough.
The salary gap between Portland and Scarborough is $8,083 (13.07%). Portland's median is +7.45% compared to the US national median of $65,075.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Portland spans $44,156,Scarborough spans $53,864. Scarborough has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced graphic designers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Portland ($68,648 effective) pays 10.56% more than Scarborough ($62,088 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 ($69,923/year)
- ✓Larger job market (270 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,648)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose Scarborough if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($94,346)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Portland grew 37.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.5% growth in Scarborough over the same period.
Portland, ME
$49,360 (2019) → $67,650 (2025)
Scarborough, ME
$52,266 (2024) → $59,830 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Portland, ME
Scarborough, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays graphic designers more: Portland or Scarborough?
What is the hourly rate difference between Portland and Scarborough?
Should I relocate from Portland to Scarborough as a graphic designer?
What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Portland vs Scarborough?
Written by Jordan Lee, MFA
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience in graphic design. They specialize in branding and visual identity. Their work includes freelance projects for small businesses.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.36% 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, MFA, a licensed graphic designer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov