Salaries in Bangor, ME
What every job actually pays — cost-of-living adjusted
Updated: February 2026 · 27 occupations · BLS + Census data
You might think a small city like Bangor, with just over 31,000 people, would be a place where you take a pay cut. The surprising truth? Its top earners—marketing managers, pharmacists, software developers—make national-level money, but their paychecks stretch a whole lot further here.
Bangor’s cost of living sits at 91.5, meaning you’re getting about a 9% discount on life compared to the national average. That $971 one-bedroom apartment? It’s a steal. Take that $153,600 marketing manager salary and adjust it for local prices, and its real purchasing power jumps to nearly $168,000. You’re not just earning; you’re building wealth faster than you would in a pricier metro.
The economy here runs on healthcare, education, and a surprising amount of tech. You’ve got Northern Light Health and St. Joseph Healthcare as major medical employers, plus the University of Maine system. Don’t sleep on the remote work boom, either; plenty of software developers are pulling in six figures while living by the Penobscot River.
Here’s the honest catch: while the unemployment rate is a tight 3.0%, the median household income of $58,096 is still below the national average. Wages for middle-skill jobs haven’t kept pace with the slight uptick in costs we’ve seen through 2026. This city works beautifully for professionals in high-demand fields or remote workers. If you’re in retail or hospitality, it’s a tougher financial climb.
The data below breaks down exactly who’s winning—and how much they’re actually taking home.
🏆 Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Bangor
Ranked by raw salary. See COL-adjusted figures in the full table below.
Marketing Manager
Pharmacist
Software Developer
Construction Manager
Project Manager
📋 Complete Salary Guide — All 27 Occupations in Bangor
COL-Adjusted Salary = Raw salary divided by the cost of living index (92/100). Higher = more real purchasing power. This city's COL is below the US average.
| # | Occupation ↕ | Raw Salary ↕ |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marketing Manager | $153,600 |
| 2 | Pharmacist | $132,561 |
| 3 | Software Developer | $124,014 |
| 4 | Construction Manager | $105,450 |
| 5 | Project Manager | $98,697 |
| 6 | Physical Therapist | $97,167 |
| 7 | Financial Analyst | $96,485 |
| 8 | Web Developer | $90,384 |
| 9 | Dental Hygienist | $85,297 |
| 10 | Accountant | $83,884 |
| 11 | Registered Nurse | $83,875 |
| 12 | Data Analyst | $81,234 |
| 13 | Police Officer | $72,999 |
| 14 | Human Resources Specialist | $65,924 |
| 15 | Elementary School Teacher | $62,046 |
| 16 | Plumber | $61,734 |
| 17 | Paralegal | $61,149 |
| 18 | Electrician | $59,980 |
| 19 | Real Estate Agent | $59,912 |
| 20 | Graphic Designer | $59,775 |
| 21 | Firefighter | $55,663 |
| 22 | Carpenter | $55,468 |
| 23 | HVAC Technician | $54,250 |
| 24 | Heavy Truck Driver | $51,736 |
| 25 | Nursing Assistant (CNA) | $48,724 |
| 26 | Welder | $48,325 |
| 27 | Medical Assistant | $37,294 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. COL Index from C2ER/ACCRA.
🏙️ Living Costs in Bangor
🧮 Can You Afford to Live in Bangor?
Use our Salary Reality Check to see if your specific income covers housing, taxes, and expenses in Bangor. Enter your salary and see exactly how far your money goes.
❓ Bangor Salary FAQ
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📝 Editor's Verdict: Is Bangor Worth It?
Bangor looks good on paper: $77,319 average salary, lower rent ($971), and a cost-of-living index of 91.5. Marketing Managers shine here—$153,600 base, or $167,869 adjusted—but that’s a best-case outlier. For most, the math is decent but not dazzling. Who wins? Healthcare pros and skilled trades with steady demand; tech workers will find fewer roles and softer pay. Marketing folks can do well, but don’t assume every job scales like the top line. My verdict: Bangor is worth it if you value space, quiet, and a manageable rent bill over big-city comp. If you chase the highest pay, you’ll likely need remote work or hybrid options. One piece of advice: lock in a job before you move—local openings can be limited, and salary bands can surprise you.