Vet Tech salary

Augusta vs Bangor: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Augusta, ME and Bangor, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Augusta, ME
$46,946
$22.57/hr
Bangor, ME
$51,178
$24.60/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAugusta, MEBangor, ME
Median Salary$46,946$51,178
Hourly Rate$22.57$24.60
Entry Level (P10)$38,616$40,934
25th Percentile$40,112$51,094
75th Percentile$56,486$52,339
Top Earner (P90)$60,304$61,834
Total Employed490
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Augusta ($46,946) and Bangor ($51,178) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.AugustaBangorMedian Salary$46,946$51,178Entry Level (P10)$38,616$40,934Top Earner (P90)$60,304$61,834US Median $49,986

Verdict

Bangor, ME offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Augusta.

The salary gap between Augusta and Bangor is $4,232 (9.01%). Bangor's median is +2.38% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Augusta spans $21,688,Bangor spans $20,900. Augusta has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Augusta
P10 (Entry)$38,616
P25$40,112
Median$46,946
P75$56,486
P90 (Top)$60,304
Bangor
P10 (Entry)$40,934
P25$51,094
Median$51,178
P75$52,339
P90 (Top)$61,834

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Bangor ($53,030 effective) pays 12.51% more than Augusta ($47,135 effective).

Augusta
Nominal: $46,946
CoL Index: 99.6
Adjusted: $47,135
Bangor
Nominal: $51,178
CoL Index: 96.508
Adjusted: $53,030

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Augusta if…

  • You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle

Choose Bangor if…

  • Higher median salary ($51,178/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($61,834)
  • Larger job market (90 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $53,030)
  • You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Augusta grew 18.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 33.3% growth in Bangor over the same period.

Augusta, ME

+18.4%

$37,568 (2024) → $44,499 (2025)

Bangor, ME

+33.3%

$36,400 (2019) → $48,510 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Augusta or Bangor?

Bangor has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $51,178/year, compared to Augusta at $46,946/year — a difference of $4,232 (9.01%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Augusta and Bangor?

Augusta veterinary technologist and technicians earn $22.57/hr while Bangor hygienists earn $24.60/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Augusta to Bangor as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Augusta and Bangor. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Augusta = $47,135, Bangor = $53,030), job availability (4 vs 90 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Augusta vs Bangor?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $38,616 in Augusta and $40,934 in Bangor. The Bangor area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

Written by Jordan Lee, CVT

Career Analyst

Jordan has 10 years of experience in veterinary technology. They specialize in emergency care. Jordan has worked in both clinic and hospital settings.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Patel, RVTData verified by Mark Chen, LVT

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.50% 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 Jordan Lee, CVT, a licensed veterinary technologist and technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov