Augusta vs Portland: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Augusta, ME and Portland, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Augusta, ME | Portland, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $97,200 | $104,929▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $46.73 | $50.45▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,994 | $75,669▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $80,183 | $84,259▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $123,475 | $128,082▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $150,660▲ | $138,314 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 710▲ |
Verdict
Portland, ME offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Augusta.
The salary gap between Augusta and Portland is $7,729 (7.95%). Portland's median is +1.39% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Augusta spans $78,666,Portland spans $62,645. Augusta 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, Portland ($103,015 effective) pays 5.56% more than Augusta ($97,590 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Augusta if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($150,660)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($104,929/year)
- ✓Larger job market (710 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,015)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Augusta grew 14.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.7% growth in Portland over the same period.
Augusta, ME
$82,649 (2024) → $94,709 (2025)
Portland, ME
$83,980 (2019) → $102,240 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Augusta, ME
Portland, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% 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 Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov