Bangor vs Portland: UX Designer Salary (2026)
Compare ux designer salaries between Bangor, ME and Portland, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bangor, ME | Portland, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,564▲ | $55,039 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.64▲ | $26.46 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,547 | $40,218▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $43,175 | $49,046▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $76,242 | $79,483▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $92,325 | $105,271▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 100▲ |
Verdict
Bangor and Portland are closely matched on overall ux designer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Bangor and Portland is $4,525 (8.22%). Bangor's median is -28.51% compared to the US national median of $83,320.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bangor spans $57,778,Portland spans $65,053. Portland has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced ux designers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bangor ($59,803 effective) pays 10.67% more than Portland ($54,035 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 ($59,564/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $59,803)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($105,271)
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ux designer salaries in Bangor grew -33.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 3.9% growth in Portland over the same period.
Bangor, ME
$84,165 (2024) → $55,761 (2025)
Portland, ME
$49,580 (2021) → $51,525 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bangor, ME
Portland, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays ux designers more: Bangor or Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bangor and Portland?
Should I relocate from Bangor to Portland as a ux designer?
What do entry-level ux designers earn in Bangor vs Portland?
Written by Maria Chen, MDes
Content Lead
Maria has over 10 years of experience in user experience design. She specializes in usability testing and user research. Maria has worked with tech companies and startups.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.82% 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 Maria Chen, MDes, a licensed ux designer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov