Medical Assistant Pay

Auburn vs Bangor: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare medical assistant salaries between Auburn, ME and Bangor, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Auburn, ME
$54,003
$25.96/hr
Bangor, ME
$49,462
$23.78/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAuburn, MEBangor, ME
Median Salary$54,003$49,462
Hourly Rate$25.96$23.78
Entry Level (P10)$43,155$41,589
25th Percentile$48,285$45,777
75th Percentile$55,435$51,404
Top Earner (P90)$63,835$58,636
Total Employed6670
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Auburn ($54,003) and Bangor ($49,462) medical assistant salaries.AuburnBangorMedian Salary$54,003$49,462Entry Level (P10)$43,155$41,589Top Earner (P90)$63,835$58,636US Median $47,961

Verdict

Auburn, ME offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bangor.

The salary gap between Auburn and Bangor is $4,541 (9.18%). Auburn's median is +12.60% compared to the US national median of $47,961.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Auburn spans $20,680,Bangor spans $17,047. Auburn has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Auburn
P10 (Entry)$43,155
P25$48,285
Median$54,003
P75$55,435
P90 (Top)$63,835
Bangor
P10 (Entry)$41,589
P25$45,777
Median$49,462
P75$51,404
P90 (Top)$58,636

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Auburn ($54,220 effective) pays 5.79% more than Bangor ($51,252 effective).

Auburn
Nominal: $54,003
CoL Index: 99.6
Adjusted: $54,220
Bangor
Nominal: $49,462
CoL Index: 96.508
Adjusted: $51,252

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 ($54,003/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($63,835)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $54,220)
  • You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle

Choose Bangor if…

  • Larger job market (670 employed)
  • You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Auburn grew 30.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 35.5% growth in Bangor over the same period.

Auburn, ME

+30.9%

$39,311 (2024) → $51,446 (2025)

Bangor, ME

+35.5%

$34,780 (2019) → $47,120 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical assistants more: Auburn or Bangor?

Auburn has a higher median medical assistant salary at $54,003/year, compared to Bangor at $49,462/year — a difference of $4,541 (9.18%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Auburn and Bangor?

Auburn medical assistants earn $25.96/hr while Bangor hygienists earn $23.78/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Auburn to Bangor as a medical assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Auburn and Bangor. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Auburn = $54,220, Bangor = $51,252), job availability (6 vs 670 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Auburn vs Bangor?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical assistants earn $43,155 in Auburn and $41,589 in Bangor. The Auburn area offers higher starting salaries.
EC

Written by Emma Chen, CMA

Career Analyst

Emma has over 8 years of experience as a medical assistant. She has worked in both outpatient clinics and hospitals. Her expertise includes patient care and administrative support.

Clinically reviewed by Carlos Rodriguez, RMAData verified by Sofia Patel, CCMA

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.97% 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 Emma Chen, CMA, a licensed medical assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov