Auburn vs Bangor: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Auburn, ME and Bangor, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Auburn, ME | Bangor, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $94,863 | $99,925▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $45.60 | $48.04▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,042 | $80,334▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $83,911▲ | $80,334 |
| 75th Percentile | $100,199 | $101,509▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $115,816▲ | $102,538 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 50▲ |
Verdict
Bangor, ME offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Auburn.
The salary gap between Auburn and Bangor is $5,062 (5.34%). Bangor's median is -1.41% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Auburn spans $48,774,Bangor spans $22,204. Auburn 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 ($103,541 effective) pays 8.71% more than Auburn ($95,244 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Auburn if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($115,816)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose Bangor if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($99,925/year)
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,541)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Auburn grew 17.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 12.3% growth in Bangor over the same period.
Auburn, ME
$76,750 (2024) → $90,406 (2025)
Bangor, ME
$84,790 (2024) → $95,230 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Auburn, ME
Bangor, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Auburn or Bangor?
What is the hourly rate difference between Auburn and Bangor?
Should I relocate from Auburn to Bangor as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Auburn vs Bangor?
Written by Aisha Khan, RDMS, RVT
Career Analyst
Aisha has over 10 years of experience in abdominal sonography. She works at a regional hospital. Aisha also conducts training for new sonographers.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.93% 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 Khan, RDMS, RVT, a licensed diagnostic medical sonographer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov