Bangor vs Portland: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Bangor, ME and Portland, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bangor, ME | Portland, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $135,995▲ | $134,733 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.38▲ | $64.78 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $109,978 | $111,540▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $129,809▲ | $115,616 |
| 75th Percentile | $149,992▲ | $144,530 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $175,720▲ | $170,786 |
| Total Employed | 220 | 720▲ |
Verdict
Bangor, ME offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Portland.
The salary gap between Bangor and Portland is $1,262 (0.94%). Bangor's median is -0.63% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bangor spans $65,742,Portland spans $59,246. Bangor 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 ($140,916 effective) pays 6.53% more than Portland ($132,275 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bangor if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($135,995/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($175,720)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $140,916)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Larger job market (720 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Bangor grew 25.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.5% growth in Portland over the same period.
Bangor, ME
$104,920 (2019) → $131,460 (2025)
Portland, ME
$109,870 (2019) → $130,240 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bangor, ME
Portland, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Bangor or Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bangor and Portland?
Should I relocate from Bangor to Portland as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Bangor vs Portland?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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 Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov