Bangor vs Brunswick: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Bangor, ME and Brunswick, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bangor, ME | Brunswick, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $121,703 | $154,080▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $58.52 | $74.08▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,185 | $89,367▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $83,038 | $110,937▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $143,251 | $197,222▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $211,504 | $238,824▲ |
| Total Employed | 210▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Brunswick, ME offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bangor.
The salary gap between Bangor and Brunswick is $32,377 (26.60%). Brunswick's median is -7.83% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bangor spans $136,319,Brunswick spans $149,457. Brunswick has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced lawyers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Brunswick ($154,699 effective) pays 22.67% more than Bangor ($126,107 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bangor if…
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose Brunswick if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($154,080/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($238,824)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $154,699)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Bangor grew 45.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 33.1% growth in Brunswick over the same period.
Bangor, ME
$79,970 (2019) → $116,240 (2025)
Brunswick, ME
$110,601 (2024) → $147,163 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bangor, ME
Brunswick, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays lawyers more: Bangor or Brunswick?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bangor and Brunswick?
Should I relocate from Bangor to Brunswick as a lawyer?
What do entry-level lawyers earn in Bangor vs Brunswick?
Written by Alexandra Chen, JD
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in corporate law. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions. Alexandra works at a mid-sized law firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.70% 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 Alexandra Chen, JD, a licensed lawyer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov