Paralegal Salary

Augusta vs Bangor: Paralegal Salary (2026)

Compare paralegal salaries between Augusta, ME and Bangor, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Augusta, ME
$61,139
$29.40/hr
Bangor, ME
$60,326
$29.00/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAugusta, MEBangor, ME
Median Salary$61,139$60,326
Hourly Rate$29.40$29.00
Entry Level (P10)$47,540$49,260
25th Percentile$50,927$51,144
75th Percentile$76,916$66,826
Top Earner (P90)$94,653$80,086
Total Employed4120
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Augusta ($61,139) and Bangor ($60,326) paralegal salaries.AugustaBangorMedian Salary$61,139$60,326Entry Level (P10)$47,540$49,260Top Earner (P90)$94,653$80,086US Median $65,097

Verdict

Augusta, ME offers better overall compensation for paralegals, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bangor.

The salary gap between Augusta and Bangor is $813 (1.35%). Augusta's median is -6.08% compared to the US national median of $65,097.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Augusta spans $47,113,Bangor spans $30,826. Augusta has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Augusta
P10 (Entry)$47,540
P25$50,927
Median$61,139
P75$76,916
P90 (Top)$94,653
Bangor
P10 (Entry)$49,260
P25$51,144
Median$60,326
P75$66,826
P90 (Top)$80,086

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Bangor ($62,509 effective) pays 1.83% more than Augusta ($61,385 effective).

Augusta
Nominal: $61,139
CoL Index: 99.6
Adjusted: $61,385
Bangor
Nominal: $60,326
CoL Index: 96.508
Adjusted: $62,509

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Augusta if…

  • Higher median salary ($61,139/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($94,653)
  • You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle

Choose Bangor if…

  • Larger job market (120 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,509)
  • You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, paralegal salaries in Augusta grew 16.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 10.0% growth in Bangor over the same period.

Augusta, ME

+16.5%

$50,717 (2024) → $59,066 (2025)

Bangor, ME

+10.0%

$52,970 (2019) → $58,280 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays paralegals more: Augusta or Bangor?

Augusta has a higher median paralegal salary at $61,139/year, compared to Bangor at $60,326/year — a difference of $813 (1.35%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Augusta and Bangor?

Augusta paralegals earn $29.40/hr while Bangor hygienists earn $29.00/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Augusta to Bangor as a paralegal?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Augusta and Bangor. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Augusta = $61,385, Bangor = $62,509), job availability (4 vs 120 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level paralegals earn in Augusta vs Bangor?

Entry-level (10th percentile) paralegals earn $47,540 in Augusta and $49,260 in Bangor. The Bangor area offers higher starting salaries.
JT

Written by Jessica Tran, JD

Career Analyst

Jessica Tran has 10 years of experience in paralegal studies. She specializes in corporate law and works with a law firm. She trains new paralegals in legal research and documentation.

Clinically reviewed by Michael Garcia, CLAData verified by Ayesha Khan, CP

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.51% 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, JD, a licensed paralegal with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov