Bangor vs Lewiston: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Bangor, ME and Lewiston, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bangor, ME | Lewiston, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $108,529▲ | $105,131 |
| Hourly Rate | $52.18▲ | $50.54 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,169 | $75,784▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $81,585 | $84,543▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $122,907 | $131,970▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $135,587 | $160,394▲ |
| Total Employed | 40▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Bangor, ME offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lewiston.
The salary gap between Bangor and Lewiston is $3,398 (3.23%). Bangor's median is +1.29% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bangor spans $70,418,Lewiston spans $84,610. Lewiston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced mechanical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bangor ($112,456 effective) pays 6.54% more than Lewiston ($105,553 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 ($108,529/year)
- ✓Larger job market (40 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,456)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose Lewiston if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($160,394)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Bangor grew 20.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 29.7% growth in Lewiston over the same period.
Bangor, ME
$87,240 (2019) → $105,450 (2025)
Lewiston, ME
$78,780 (2019) → $102,148 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bangor, ME
Lewiston, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Bangor or Lewiston?
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Should I relocate from Bangor to Lewiston as a mechanical engineer?
What do entry-level mechanical engineers earn in Bangor vs Lewiston?
Written by Amina Patel, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering. She specializes in thermal analysis and works in the automotive industry.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.92% 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 Amina Patel, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov