Bangor vs Portland: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist 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 | $134,028 | $165,992▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $64.43 | $79.80▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,818 | $112,401▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $110,259 | $120,463▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $163,266 | $182,888▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $192,121 | $220,540▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 100▲ |
Verdict
Portland, ME offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bangor.
The salary gap between Bangor and Portland is $31,964 (23.85%). Portland's median is +18.05% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bangor spans $113,303,Portland spans $108,139. Bangor 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, Portland ($162,964 effective) pays 21.10% more than Bangor ($134,566 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bangor if…
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($165,992/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($220,540)
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $162,964)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Bangor grew 21.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 45.1% growth in Portland over the same period.
Bangor, ME
$107,180 (2019) → $130,175 (2025)
Portland, ME
$111,120 (2019) → $161,220 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bangor, ME
Portland, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Bangor or Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bangor and Portland?
Should I relocate from Bangor to Portland as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Bangor vs Portland?
Written by Aisha Patel, OD
Career Analyst
Aisha Patel has 10 years of experience in optometry. She specializes in pediatric vision care. Aisha works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.96% 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 Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov