Augusta vs Bangor: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Augusta, ME and Bangor, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Augusta, ME | Bangor, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $73,766▲ | $73,523 |
| Hourly Rate | $35.46▲ | $35.35 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,454 | $52,540▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $59,737 | $63,495▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $93,326▲ | $81,995 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $107,034▲ | $100,916 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 270▲ |
Verdict
Augusta, ME offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bangor.
The salary gap between Augusta and Bangor is $243 (0.33%). Augusta's median is -6.08% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Augusta spans $56,580,Bangor spans $48,376. Augusta 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, Bangor ($76,183 effective) pays 2.86% more than Augusta ($74,062 effective).
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 ($73,766/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($107,034)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose Bangor if…
- ✓Larger job market (270 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,183)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Augusta grew 31.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 52.9% growth in Bangor over the same period.
Augusta, ME
$54,474 (2024) → $71,576 (2025)
Bangor, ME
$46,650 (2019) → $71,340 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Augusta, ME
Bangor, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Augusta or Bangor?
What is the hourly rate difference between Augusta and Bangor?
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Written by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in law enforcement. They specialize in community policing strategies. Jordan works with a municipal police department.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% 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 Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice, a licensed police officer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov