Bangor vs South Portland: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Bangor, ME and South Portland, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bangor, ME | South Portland, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,023 | $51,092▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.05 | $24.56▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,450 | $44,025▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $47,318▲ | $45,647 |
| 75th Percentile | $53,261 | $56,997▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $64,134▲ | $61,858 |
| Total Employed | 1,110▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Bangor and South Portland are closely matched on overall certified nursing assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Bangor and South Portland is $1,069 (2.14%). South Portland's median is +13.52% compared to the US national median of $45,007.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bangor spans $22,684,South Portland spans $17,833. Bangor 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, Bangor ($51,833 effective) pays 1.04% more than South Portland ($51,297 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bangor if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($64,134)
- ✓Larger job market (1,110 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,833)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose South Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($51,092/year)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, certified nursing assistant salaries in Bangor grew 50.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 31.2% growth in South Portland over the same period.
Bangor, ME
$31,160 (2019) → $46,970 (2025)
South Portland, ME
$36,555 (2024) → $47,974 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bangor, ME
South Portland, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Bangor or South Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bangor and South Portland?
Should I relocate from Bangor to South Portland as a certified nursing assistant?
What do entry-level certified nursing assistants earn in Bangor vs South Portland?
Written by Emily Chen, BSN, RN
Career Analyst
Emily has over 10 years of experience in nursing. She focuses on workforce trends in nursing. Emily has worked in various healthcare settings, including hospitals and long-term care facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.50% 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 Emily Chen, BSN, RN, a licensed certified nursing assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov