Bangor vs Sanford: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Bangor, ME and Sanford, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bangor, ME | Sanford, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $73,523▲ | $73,078 |
| Hourly Rate | $35.35▲ | $35.13 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,540▲ | $50,769 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,495▲ | $59,982 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,995 | $88,959▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $100,916▲ | $100,386 |
| Total Employed | 270▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Bangor, ME offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sanford.
The salary gap between Bangor and Sanford is $445 (0.61%). Bangor's median is -6.39% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bangor spans $48,376,Sanford spans $49,617. Sanford has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced police officers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bangor ($76,183 effective) pays 3.83% more than Sanford ($73,371 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 ($73,523/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($100,916)
- ✓Larger job market (270 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,183)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose Sanford if…
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Bangor grew 52.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 31.4% growth in Sanford over the same period.
Bangor, ME
$46,650 (2019) → $71,340 (2025)
Sanford, ME
$53,965 (2024) → $70,908 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bangor, ME
Sanford, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Bangor or Sanford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bangor and Sanford?
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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