Augusta vs Bangor: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Augusta, ME and Bangor, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Augusta, ME | Bangor, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,932 | $76,495▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.74 | $36.77▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,857 | $63,748▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $60,883 | $66,908▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $74,680 | $81,220▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,849 | $83,059▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 90▲ |
Verdict
Bangor, ME offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Augusta.
The salary gap between Augusta and Bangor is $12,563 (19.65%). Bangor's median is +12.38% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Augusta spans $25,992,Bangor spans $19,311. Augusta 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 ($79,263 effective) pays 23.48% more than Augusta ($64,189 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Augusta if…
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose Bangor if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($76,495/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,059)
- ✓Larger job market (90 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $79,263)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Augusta grew 13.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 87.8% growth in Bangor over the same period.
Augusta, ME
$53,534 (2024) → $60,484 (2025)
Bangor, ME
$38,540 (2019) → $72,370 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Augusta, ME
Bangor, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Augusta or Bangor?
What is the hourly rate difference between Augusta and Bangor?
Should I relocate from Augusta to Bangor as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Augusta vs Bangor?
Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% 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 Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov