Entry-Level Physician Assistant Salary in Bangor, ME: $109,292 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physician assistants entering the Bangor, ME job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $109,292 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bangor's local price level (BEA RPP 96.5 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $113,247 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($134,709) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For those looking to begin their career as a physician assistant in Bangor, Maine, the expected starting salary of $109,292 in 2026 sets a solid foundation for recent graduates. Although this entry-level figure is lower than the city's median salary of $134,709, the growth potential is encouraging. Over the first three to five years, many new PAs can anticipate moving from the entry-level pay range to around $130,245, aligning more closely with the area's median. Given the projected salary growth rate of 3.32% annually, Bangor appears to be a favorable market for new graduates seeking their first position, especially when compared to the competitive landscape nationally.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bangor
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bangor
Entry-level physician assistants in Bangor, ME typically start between $109,292 and $130,245 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $57,043 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $134,709 — 4.05% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physician assistant program cost in Maine of $100,000 represents just 91.50% of the starting physician assistant pay ($109,292/year) in Bangor. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ARC-PA accredited master's-level PA programs. Most PA programs run 27-30 months and include didactic and clinical rotation phases. Public in-state programs are the most affordable option; private programs in high-cost metros can approach $150k. Totals reflect tuition and program fees only; PANCE certification exam fees are separate.
PA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Bangor
- 1Research the Bangor market: entry-level physician assistant pay ranges from $109,292 to $130,245, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the physician assistant field — employers in ME often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Bangor, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Bangor for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bangor's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Physician Assistant Compensation Range
The physician assistant wage spread in Bangor is $57,043 ( 52.19%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $109,292, experienced hygienists can earn up to $166,335.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$89,800
2025 BLS Actual
$105,780
2026 Current Est.
$109,292
2019–2027 Growth
+25.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Bangor (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $89,800 | Actual |
| 2020 | $92,610 | Actual |
| 2021 | $100,230 | Actual |
| 2022 | $101,230 | Actual |
| 2023 | $104,120 | Actual |
| 2024 | $103,280 | Actual |
| 2025 | $105,780 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $109,292 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $112,920 | Projected |
Entry-level physician assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Bangor, ME grew 17.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $89,800 in 2019 to $105,780 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $112,920. New graduates entering the Bangor job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bangor metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.32% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your physician assistant Career in Bangor
Employers in Bangor that typically hire new graduate physician assistants include primary care clinics and urgent care facilities, often providing structured onboarding programs. Hospitals and specialty practices may target candidates through PA residency programs. Securing a position in surgical subspecialties can significantly enhance a new grad's earning potential, especially in high-demand areas such as orthopedics and cardiothoracic surgery due to their capacity for first-assist billing. Credentials like a Master's degree from an ARC-PA accredited program, NCCPA national certification, and state licensure are key elements that improve starting pay in Maine. Additionally, those aiming for growth in their first few years should consider pursuing a Certificate of Added Qualifications in subspecialties, which can provide competitive advantages in the job market. Given the evolving scope of practice under state laws and physician collaboration, new PAs should stay informed on the latest trends and employment opportunities to maximize their salary trajectory in Bangor, ME.
More salary data for Bangor, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new physician assistant graduates. A 3.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Bangor. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.32%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physician assistants (SOC 29-1071).
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