Auburn vs Bangor: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Auburn, ME and Bangor, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Auburn, ME | Bangor, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $90,404 | $98,928▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $43.46 | $47.56▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,331 | $79,593▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $79,108 | $81,721▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $99,404 | $104,931▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $116,310▲ | $108,111 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 2,190▲ |
Verdict
Bangor, ME offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Auburn.
The salary gap between Auburn and Bangor is $8,524 (9.43%). Bangor's median is -3.70% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Auburn spans $51,979,Bangor spans $28,518. Auburn has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bangor ($102,508 effective) pays 12.93% more than Auburn ($90,767 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Auburn if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($116,310)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose Bangor if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($98,928/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,190 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,508)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Auburn grew 13.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 25.5% growth in Bangor over the same period.
Auburn, ME
$75,814 (2024) → $85,846 (2025)
Bangor, ME
$74,830 (2019) → $93,940 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Auburn, ME
Bangor, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Auburn or Bangor?
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Should I relocate from Auburn to Bangor as a registered nurse?
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Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov