Bangor vs Lewiston: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Bangor, ME and Lewiston, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bangor, ME | Lewiston, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $134,709 | $148,481▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $64.76 | $71.38▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $109,292 | $118,839▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $130,245 | $132,043▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $144,121 | $182,040▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $166,335 | $182,040▲ |
| Total Employed | 110▲ | 80 |
Verdict
Lewiston, ME offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bangor.
The salary gap between Bangor and Lewiston is $13,772 (10.22%). Lewiston's median is +5.76% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bangor spans $57,043,Lewiston spans $63,201. Lewiston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physician assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Lewiston ($156,731 effective) pays 12.29% 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 Bangor if…
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose Lewiston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($148,481/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($182,040)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $156,731)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Bangor grew 12.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.8% growth in Lewiston over the same period.
Bangor, ME
$115,520 (2019) → $130,380 (2025)
Lewiston, ME
$119,950 (2019) → $143,710 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bangor, ME
Lewiston, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Bangor or Lewiston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bangor and Lewiston?
Should I relocate from Bangor to Lewiston as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Bangor vs Lewiston?
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