Salary Guide · 2026
Maine Salary Guide (2026)
This guide explains how salaries are taxed in Maine, what take-home pay looks like at different income levels, and how cost of living affects real purchasing power across major cities.
Maine Income Snapshot
Individual median income
$41,600
-26% vs US median
Household median income
$71,670
US Census ACS 2023
Median take-home (annual)
$32,971
Eff. rate: 20.74%
Median monthly take-home
$2,748
Single filer, 2026
Income Tax Structure in Maine
Tax system: Progressive state income tax (5.8%–7.15%)
Maine has a higher progressive income tax system. Outside Portland, cost of living is reasonable and quality of life is considered excellent, especially for those who value outdoor activities.
Take-Home Pay at Popular Salary Levels
Single filer · Standard deduction · ME state tax · 2026 IRS brackets
| Gross salary | Federal tax | State tax | FICA | Take-home | Monthly | Eff. rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $55,000 | $4,494 | $3,465 | $4,208 | $42,833 | $3,569 | 22.12% |
| $80,000 | $8,954 | $5,226 | $6,120 | $59,700 | $4,975 | 25.37% |
| $110,000 | $15,554 | $7,371 | $8,415 | $78,660 | $6,555 | 28.49% |
| $155,000 | $26,114 | $10,589 | $11,858 | $106,439 | $8,870 | 31.33% |
Take-home as % of gross
Housing Affordability in Maine Cities
Based on $110,000 salary · Rent: HUD FMR 2026 · COL: C2ER/ACCRA
Portland
COL: 1.21× · 1BR rent: $1,550/mo
Rent burden: 23.6% of take-home
Is $110,000 enough in Portland? →Lewiston
COL: 0.91× · 1BR rent: $1,050/mo
Rent burden: 16.0% of take-home
Is $110,000 enough in Lewiston? →Bangor
COL: 0.93× · 1BR rent: $1,100/mo
Rent burden: 16.8% of take-home
Is $110,000 enough in Bangor? →South Portland
COL: 1.10× · 1BR rent: $1,450/mo
Rent burden: 22.1% of take-home
Is $110,000 enough in South Portland? →Auburn
COL: 0.88× · 1BR rent: $1,000/mo
Rent burden: 15.3% of take-home
Is $110,000 enough in Auburn? →Biddeford
COL: 1.03× · 1BR rent: $1,300/mo
Rent burden: 19.8% of take-home
Is $110,000 enough in Biddeford? →Popular Salary Guides for Maine
Is This Salary Enough in Maine?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is $100,000 a good salary in Maine?
A $100,000 salary in Maine yields approximately $72,340 per year ($6,028/month) after federal and state taxes. In most Maine cities, this is above the state individual median of $41,600 — generally a comfortable income.
How much state income tax do you pay in Maine?
Maine has Progressive state income tax (5.8%–7.15%). For a $80,000 salary, the estimated state income tax is $5,226. Your effective rate depends on your income level, filing status, and deductions.
What salary is considered middle class in Maine?
The individual median income in Maine is $41,600 and the household median is $71,670 (Census ACS 2023). Middle-class income typically ranges from 67%–200% of the household median, roughly $48,019–$143,340 for a family.
Data Sources
- •Tax calculations: IRS federal tax tables
- •Payroll taxes: Social Security Administration
- •Salary data: Bureau of Labor Statistics
- •Rent data: HUD Fair Market Rents
Data updated monthly using government datasets.