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Healthcare · Maine

How to Become a Registered Nurses in Maine

Registered Nurses in Maine earn a median salary of $82,860/year, which is 11% below the national average. Maine has a state income tax of ~5.3%. After taxes and rent, a registered nurses takes home approximately $3,777/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.

$83K
Median salary in Maine
-11%
vs. national average
5.3%
State income tax
16,280
Employed in Maine

What a registered nurses can afford in Maine

Gross annual salary$82,860
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 5.3% state tax)$5,189/mo
Median 2BR rent (Maine)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home27.2% (within guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$82,860/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$3,777/mo

Becoming a registered nurses in Maine

1

Meet education requirements

Registered Nurses positions in Maine typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Maine. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

This career typically involves none in Maine. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain Maine licensure or certification

Maine may require specific licensing or professional certification for registered nursess. Requirements vary by state — contact the Maine Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in Maine

Maine employs 16,280 registered nurses. The highest concentrations are in Bangor and Lewiston-Auburn.

Registered Nurses salary by metro area in Maine

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Bangor$87K$41.76/hr2,130
Lewiston-Auburn$83K$39.84/hr1,270
Portland-South Portland$83K$39.82/hr6,660

Registered Nurses salary range in Maine

10th percentile (entry)
$66K
25th percentile
$77K
Median (50th)
$83K
75th percentile
$98K
90th percentile (senior)
$105K
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Full registered nurses salary breakdown in Maine
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Frequently asked questions

How much does a registered nurses make in Maine?

The median registered nurses salary in Maine is $82,860 per year ($39.84/hr). This is 11% below the national median of $93,600. Salaries range from $66,330 to $104,870.

What are the requirements to become a registered nurses in Maine?

Registered Nurses positions in Maine typically require Bachelor's degree. Maine may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Maine licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a registered nurses afford to live in Maine?

At the median salary of $82,860, a registered nurses in Maine would take home approximately $5,189/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 27.2% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for registered nurses in Maine?

The highest paying metro areas for registered nurses in Maine are Bangor ($86,860), Lewiston-Auburn ($82,860), Portland-South Portland ($82,830). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does Maine have state income tax for registered nurses?

Yes, Maine has a state income tax rate of approximately 5.3%. On a $82,860 salary, this means roughly $4,416/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.