Bangor vs Scarborough: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Bangor, ME and Scarborough, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bangor, ME | Scarborough, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $87,543 | $98,347▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $42.09 | $47.28▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,930 | $69,509▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $75,310 | $82,570▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $103,287 | $120,567▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $127,425 | $145,633▲ |
| Total Employed | 150▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Scarborough, ME offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bangor.
The salary gap between Bangor and Scarborough is $10,804 (12.34%). Scarborough's median is -4.97% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bangor spans $61,495,Scarborough spans $76,124. Scarborough has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced civil engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Scarborough ($98,742 effective) pays 8.85% more than Bangor ($90,711 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bangor if…
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose Scarborough if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($98,347/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($145,633)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,742)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Bangor grew 10.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.6% growth in Scarborough over the same period.
Bangor, ME
$77,090 (2019) → $85,300 (2025)
Scarborough, ME
$83,625 (2024) → $95,827 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bangor, ME
Scarborough, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Bangor or Scarborough?
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Should I relocate from Bangor to Scarborough as a civil engineer?
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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