Graphic Designer Pay

Bangor vs Biddeford: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)

Compare graphic designer salaries between Bangor, ME and Biddeford, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Bangor, ME
$58,471
$28.11/hr
Biddeford, ME
$61,323
$29.48/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBangor, MEBiddeford, ME
Median Salary$58,471$61,323
Hourly Rate$28.11$29.48
Entry Level (P10)$42,440$39,259
25th Percentile$49,447$47,563
75th Percentile$74,502$76,690
Top Earner (P90)$77,200$94,683
Total Employed506
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Bangor ($58,471) and Biddeford ($61,323) graphic designer salaries.BangorBiddefordMedian Salary$58,471$61,323Entry Level (P10)$42,440$39,259Top Earner (P90)$77,200$94,683US Median $65,075

Verdict

Biddeford, ME offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bangor.

The salary gap between Bangor and Biddeford is $2,852 (4.88%). Biddeford's median is -5.77% compared to the US national median of $65,075.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bangor spans $34,760,Biddeford spans $55,424. Biddeford has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced graphic designers.

Bangor
P10 (Entry)$42,440
P25$49,447
Median$58,471
P75$74,502
P90 (Top)$77,200
Biddeford
P10 (Entry)$39,259
P25$47,563
Median$61,323
P75$76,690
P90 (Top)$94,683

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Biddeford ($61,569 effective) pays 1.62% more than Bangor ($60,587 effective).

Bangor
Nominal: $58,471
CoL Index: 96.508
Adjusted: $60,587
Biddeford
Nominal: $61,323
CoL Index: 99.6
Adjusted: $61,569

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Bangor if…

  • Larger job market (50 employed)
  • You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle

Choose Biddeford if…

  • Higher median salary ($61,323/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($94,683)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $61,569)
  • You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Bangor grew 53.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.5% growth in Biddeford over the same period.

Bangor, ME

+53.0%

$36,980 (2019) → $56,570 (2025)

Biddeford, ME

+14.5%

$51,829 (2024) → $59,330 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays graphic designers more: Bangor or Biddeford?

Biddeford has a higher median graphic designer salary at $61,323/year, compared to Bangor at $58,471/year — a difference of $2,852 (4.88%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Bangor and Biddeford?

Bangor graphic designers earn $28.11/hr while Biddeford hygienists earn $29.48/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Bangor to Biddeford as a graphic designer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Bangor and Biddeford. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Bangor = $60,587, Biddeford = $61,569), job availability (50 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Bangor vs Biddeford?

Entry-level (10th percentile) graphic designers earn $42,440 in Bangor and $39,259 in Biddeford. The Bangor area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

Written by Jordan Lee, MFA

Career Analyst

Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience in graphic design. They specialize in branding and visual identity. Their work includes freelance projects for small businesses.

Clinically reviewed by Amina Patel, BFAData verified by Carlos Rodriguez, MA

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.36% 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, MFA, a licensed graphic designer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov