Salaries in Saco, ME
What every job actually pays — cost-of-living adjusted
Updated: February 2026 · 27 occupations · BLS + Census data
Here’s the quiet secret about Saco: the guy wiring your house or debugging your software is probably making more than the national average, even after you adjust for the fact that a one-bedroom apartment costs $1,139 a month. With an unemployment rate of just 3.0% and a population of 20,636, this isn’t some sleepy backwater—it’s a small city where the job market is surprisingly tight.
Let’s talk real purchasing power. Saco’s cost of living index is 103.6—about 3.6% pricier than the U.S. average. That sounds like a bad deal, but look closer. The median household income is $84,328, and the COL-adjusted average salary here is $55,620. You’re not getting rich overnight, but your paycheck stretches further than it would in Boston or Portland. For a software developer earning $128,634, the adjusted take-home feels like $124,164—solid money in a place where a mortgage is still somewhat sane.
Who’s thriving? The data points to a few clear winners. Tech roles, healthcare, and skilled trades are the big players. Saco’s proximity to Portland means companies like Wex Inc. and shipbuilders at General Dynamics Bath Iron Works draw talent here. Teachers and accountants do okay, but the real money is in the specialties. I’ll admit, I was surprised that electricians pull down $62,214—higher than the national median for that trade, and they’re in constant demand with all the residential and commercial builds happening along the I-95 corridor.
Here’s the catch: while wages are strong for skilled workers, the average salary across all roles is just $57,622 (or $55,600 adjusted). That’s above the U.S. median but not enough to轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松
🏆 Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Saco
Ranked by raw salary. See COL-adjusted figures in the full table below.
Software Developer
Accountant
Registered Nurse
Elementary School Teacher
Electrician
📋 Complete Salary Guide — All 27 Occupations in Saco
COL-Adjusted Salary = Raw salary divided by the cost of living index (104/100). Higher = more real purchasing power. This city's COL is above the US average.
| # | Occupation ↕ | Raw Salary ↕ |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Software Developer | $128,634 |
| 2 | Accountant | $87,009 |
| 3 | Registered Nurse | $86,999 |
| 4 | Elementary School Teacher | $64,357 |
| 5 | Electrician | $62,214 |
| 6 | Real Estate Agent | $62,143 |
| 7 | Heavy Truck Driver | $53,663 |
| 8 | Paralegal | $50,539 |
| 9 | Welder | $50,539 |
| 10 | Nursing Assistant (CNA) | $50,539 |
| 11 | Dental Hygienist | $50,539 |
| 12 | Police Officer | $50,539 |
| 13 | Project Manager | $50,539 |
| 14 | Graphic Designer | $50,539 |
| 15 | Data Analyst | $50,539 |
| 16 | Plumber | $50,539 |
| 17 | Carpenter | $50,539 |
| 18 | Construction Manager | $50,539 |
| 19 | Human Resources Specialist | $50,539 |
| 20 | Physical Therapist | $50,539 |
| 21 | Financial Analyst | $50,539 |
| 22 | Pharmacist | $50,539 |
| 23 | HVAC Technician | $50,539 |
| 24 | Web Developer | $50,539 |
| 25 | Firefighter | $50,539 |
| 26 | Marketing Manager | $50,539 |
| 27 | Medical Assistant | $50,539 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. COL Index from C2ER/ACCRA.
🏙️ Living Costs in Saco
🧮 Can You Afford to Live in Saco?
Use our Salary Reality Check to see if your specific income covers housing, taxes, and expenses in Saco. Enter your salary and see exactly how far your money goes.
❓ Saco Salary FAQ
What is the average salary in Saco, ME?
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📝 Editor's Verdict: Is Saco Worth It?
Here’s my honest verdict: Saco isn’t a goldmine, but it’s a solid bet if you know where to aim. With an average salary of $57,622 and a cost of living index of 103.6, you’re not getting rich, but you’re also not getting crushed. Tech workers are the clear winners—Software Developer salaries ($128,634) hold up even after cost-of-living adjustments ($124,164). Healthcare and skilled trades can do well, but they won’t see the same return. For everyone else, it’s a grind.
My advice? If you’re moving here for work, lock in a remote or tech role before you pack. Saco’s charm is real, but your wallet will thank you for bringing the income with you. It’s a place to live, not just a place to work. Choose wisely.