Bangor vs Portland: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist 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 | $147,867▲ | $143,193 |
| Hourly Rate | $71.09▲ | $68.85 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $105,985▲ | $91,586 |
| 25th Percentile | $129,905 | $134,599▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $160,494▲ | $160,270 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $170,596▲ | $169,598 |
| Total Employed | 200 | 620▲ |
Verdict
Bangor, ME offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Portland.
The salary gap between Bangor and Portland is $4,674 (3.26%). Bangor's median is +3.05% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bangor spans $64,611,Portland spans $78,012. Portland has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced pharmacists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bangor ($153,217 effective) pays 8.99% more than Portland ($140,581 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bangor if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($147,867/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($170,596)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $153,217)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Larger job market (620 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Bangor grew 5.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 4.3% growth in Portland over the same period.
Bangor, ME
$137,980 (2019) → $145,210 (2025)
Portland, ME
$134,810 (2019) → $140,620 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bangor, ME
Portland, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Bangor or Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bangor and Portland?
Should I relocate from Bangor to Portland as a pharmacist?
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Written by Sofia Chen, PharmD
Career Analyst
Sofia Chen has 10 years of experience in community pharmacy. She specializes in medication therapy management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.83% 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 Sofia Chen, PharmD, a licensed pharmacist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov