Bangor vs Scarborough: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Bangor, ME and Scarborough, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bangor, ME | Scarborough, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $121,703 | $158,862▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $58.52 | $76.38▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,185 | $92,140▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $83,038 | $114,381▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $143,251 | $203,344▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $211,504 | $246,237▲ |
| Total Employed | 210▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Scarborough, ME offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bangor.
The salary gap between Bangor and Scarborough is $37,159 (30.53%). Scarborough's median is -4.97% 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,Scarborough spans $154,097. Scarborough 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, Scarborough ($159,500 effective) pays 26.48% 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 Scarborough if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($158,862/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($246,237)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $159,500)
- ✓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 Scarborough over the same period.
Bangor, ME
$79,970 (2019) → $116,240 (2025)
Scarborough, ME
$114,034 (2024) → $151,731 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bangor, ME
Scarborough, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
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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