Bangor vs Portland: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist 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 | $63,893 | $69,469▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.71 | $33.40▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,147 | $50,940▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $53,965 | $63,662▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $68,889 | $80,726▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,028 | $105,242▲ |
| Total Employed | 110 | 200▲ |
Verdict
Portland, ME offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bangor.
The salary gap between Bangor and Portland is $5,576 (8.73%). Portland's median is +1.95% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bangor spans $37,881,Portland spans $54,302. Portland has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced surgical technologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Portland ($68,202 effective) pays 3.02% more than Bangor ($66,205 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 ($69,469/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($105,242)
- ✓Larger job market (200 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,202)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Bangor grew 27.2% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 36.4% growth in Portland over the same period.
Bangor, ME
$47,670 (2021) → $60,620 (2025)
Portland, ME
$48,330 (2019) → $65,910 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bangor, ME
Portland, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Bangor or Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bangor and Portland?
Should I relocate from Bangor to Portland as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Bangor vs Portland?
Written by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST
Career Analyst
Jessica has over 10 years of experience as a surgical technologist. She specializes in orthopedic surgical procedures. Jessica works at a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.40% 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 Jessica Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov