Bangor vs Portland: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)
Compare clinical and counseling psychologist 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 | $109,210 | $114,689▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $52.51 | $55.14▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,256 | $66,520▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $81,728 | $82,576▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $139,788 | $146,801▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $169,275 | $177,767▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 16▲ |
Verdict
Portland, ME offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bangor.
The salary gap between Bangor and Portland is $5,479 (5.02%). Portland's median is +8.52% compared to the US national median of $105,689.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bangor spans $105,019,Portland spans $111,247. Portland has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced clinical and counseling psychologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Portland ($115,150 effective) pays 5.02% more than Bangor ($109,649 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bangor if…
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($114,689/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($177,767)
- ✓Larger job market (16 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $115,150)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Bangor grew -1.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 36.8% growth in Portland over the same period.
Bangor, ME
$105,974 (2024) → $103,930 (2025)
Portland, ME
$79,760 (2021) → $109,144 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bangor, ME
Portland, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Bangor or Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bangor and Portland?
Should I relocate from Bangor to Portland as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Bangor vs Portland?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, PhD, LPC
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in clinical psychology. She specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy. Maria works at a mental health clinic in Chicago.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.08% 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 Gonzalez, PhD, LPC, a licensed clinical and counseling psychologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov