Principal Operations Research Analyst.
Portland.
$178,000
median salary, 7% above the national average
$139,000 to $231,000. Last updated April 2026.
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Data points to own the conversation.
Here is what Principal Operations Research Analysts actually make in Portland: $139,000 at the 25th percentile, $178,000 at the median, and $231,000 at the 75th. That is 7% above the national average. Portland, Maine is a small but growing tech and creative economy hub. The number on your offer letter will depend on what you bring and how you ask.
Salary range
Where do you fall?
Salary by experience
The gap between entry and lead level is typically $160,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$116,000
to $142,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$151,000
to $187,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$196,000
to $231,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$223,000
to $276,000
Salary trend
+6% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $48,000 to the total package.
Base
$178,000
Equity
$27,000
Bonus
$17,000
Signing
$4,000
Estimated total: $226,000
How Portland compares
Portland, ME
$178,000
Cost of living: 5% above average
National Average
$166,000
Portland is $12,000 above
Principal Operations Research Analyst salary by city
Salary by role in Portland
What you should know
Portland, Maine is a small but growing tech and creative economy hub. The city attracts remote workers and small companies seeking quality of life on the New England coast. Healthcare, marine industries, and a craft food and beverage sector round out the local economy. That is the backdrop for every Principal Operations Research Analyst offer you will see here.
One thing people overlook: taxes. Maine's top income tax rate is 7.15%. Portland has no city income tax. The state rate is above average but offset by quality of life and access to rural New England. The salary on the offer letter is not the salary in your bank account. Always model your take home before you accept.
On negotiation: Negotiate remote work flexibility. Portland employers know they compete with Boston and New York for talent and may offer location flexibility to attract top candidates. The range for Principal Operations Research Analysts in Portland runs from $139,000 to $231,000. That is not a narrow window. Where you land inside it depends almost entirely on whether you negotiate and how well you prepare.
Sources: SEC filings, H-1B LCA (DOL), BLS OES, 50+ job posting platforms. COL: BEA Regional Price Parities (2025). Data verified by Justin Bartak, Founder & Chief AI Officer. Last verified April 8, 2026. Full methodology
Considering a related role?
- A AI/GenAI Sales Engineer in Portland earns $177,000 (1% less)
- The highest-paying role in Portland is Principal AI Research Scientist at $375,000
Common questions.
Principal Operations Research Analyst salary in other cities
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