Bangor vs Sanford: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Bangor, ME and Sanford, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bangor, ME | Sanford, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $76,495▲ | $63,335 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.77▲ | $30.45 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,748▲ | $54,037 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,908▲ | $61,011 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,220▲ | $70,953 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,059▲ | $74,208 |
| Total Employed | 90▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Bangor, ME offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sanford.
The salary gap between Bangor and Sanford is $13,160 (20.78%). Bangor's median is +12.38% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bangor spans $19,311,Sanford spans $20,171. Sanford has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bangor ($79,263 effective) pays 24.65% more than Sanford ($63,589 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 ($76,495/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,059)
- ✓Larger job market (90 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $79,263)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose Sanford if…
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Bangor grew 87.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.0% growth in Sanford over the same period.
Bangor, ME
$38,540 (2019) → $72,370 (2025)
Sanford, ME
$53,035 (2024) → $59,920 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bangor, ME
Sanford, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Bangor or Sanford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bangor and Sanford?
Should I relocate from Bangor to Sanford as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Bangor vs Sanford?
Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% 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 Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov