Bangor vs Portland: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer 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 | $106,355 | $117,912▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $51.13 | $56.69▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,063 | $83,687▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $86,247 | $101,152▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $130,775 | $138,798▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $152,293 | $167,115▲ |
| Total Employed | 90 | 650▲ |
Verdict
Portland, ME offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bangor.
The salary gap between Bangor and Portland is $11,557 (10.87%). Portland's median is -5.70% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bangor spans $79,230,Portland spans $83,428. Portland has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced electrical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Portland ($115,761 effective) pays 5.04% more than Bangor ($110,203 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bangor if…
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($117,912/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($167,115)
- ✓Larger job market (650 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $115,761)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Bangor grew 8.2% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 27.9% growth in Portland over the same period.
Bangor, ME
$94,810 (2020) → $102,610 (2025)
Portland, ME
$88,970 (2019) → $113,760 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bangor, ME
Portland, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Bangor or Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bangor and Portland?
Should I relocate from Bangor to Portland as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Bangor vs Portland?
Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% 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 Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov