Auburn vs Bangor: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant 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 | $148,440▲ | $134,709 |
| Hourly Rate | $71.36▲ | $64.76 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $109,522▲ | $109,292 |
| 25th Percentile | $139,781▲ | $130,245 |
| 75th Percentile | $171,144▲ | $144,121 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $189,737▲ | $166,335 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 110▲ |
Verdict
Auburn, ME offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bangor.
The salary gap between Auburn and Bangor is $13,731 (10.19%). Auburn's median is +5.73% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Auburn spans $80,215,Bangor spans $57,043. 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, Auburn ($149,036 effective) pays 6.77% more than Bangor ($139,583 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Auburn if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($148,440/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($189,737)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $149,036)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose Bangor if…
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Auburn grew 27.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 12.9% growth in Bangor over the same period.
Auburn, ME
$112,317 (2024) → $143,670 (2025)
Bangor, ME
$115,520 (2019) → $130,380 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Auburn, ME
Bangor, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Auburn or Bangor?
What is the hourly rate difference between Auburn and Bangor?
Should I relocate from Auburn to Bangor as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Auburn vs Bangor?
Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.32% 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 Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov