Auburn vs Bangor: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Auburn, ME and Bangor, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Auburn, ME | Bangor, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $260,266▲ | $251,428 |
| Hourly Rate | $125.12▲ | $120.89 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $171,215 | $231,408▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $241,251 | $251,428▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $309,496▲ | $283,893 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $341,143▲ | $288,627 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 80▲ |
Verdict
Auburn, ME offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bangor.
The salary gap between Auburn and Bangor is $8,838 (3.52%). Auburn's median is +4.57% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Auburn spans $169,928,Bangor spans $57,219. Auburn 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, Auburn ($261,311 effective) pays 0.30% more than Bangor ($260,526 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Auburn if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($260,266/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($341,143)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $261,311)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose Bangor if…
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Auburn grew 25.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 29.8% growth in Bangor over the same period.
Auburn, ME
$196,555 (2024) → $247,401 (2025)
Bangor, ME
$184,180 (2022) → $239,000 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Auburn, ME
Bangor, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Auburn or Bangor?
What is the hourly rate difference between Auburn and Bangor?
Should I relocate from Auburn to Bangor as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Auburn vs Bangor?
Written by Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA
Career Analyst
Alexandra Johnson has 10 years of experience as a nurse anesthetist. She specializes in anesthesia for orthopedic surgeries. She works in a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.20% 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 Johnson, MSN, CRNA, a licensed nurse anesthetist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov