Salaries in Auburn, ME
What every job actually pays — cost-of-living adjusted
Updated: February 2026 · 27 occupations · BLS + Census data
Here’s the honest truth about Auburn, Maine: you can make a solid living here, but you probably won’t get rich. The city’s median household income sits at $66,552, which feels right for a place where the cost of living index is basically dead-on the national average—100.1. It’s not a bargain, but it’s not a rip-off either.
Let’s talk purchasing power. That one-bedroom apartment renting for $877 a month is the real story. When you’re earning the city’s average salary of $79,366, your rent is a manageable 13% of your gross income. Compare that to the national squeeze, and it’s a relief. You’ll have money left for groceries and maybe even a trip to the lake. The cost-of-living adjustment on salaries here is minimal—usually just a few hundred dollars—because Auburn’s prices track the U.S. norm so closely.
So who actually thrives here? The data points to a few clear winners. Marketing managers, pharmacists, and software developers top the list, pulling in salaries from $127,000 to over $157,000. Construction and project managers also do well, likely tied to steady local development and the nearby presence of manufacturing and healthcare giants like Central Maine Medical Center. It’s a blue-collar town with a white-collar spine.
Here’s my honest take: wages aren’t exploding here, but they don’t need to. With a 3.0% unemployment rate, jobs are stable. The catch? If you’re in a field that pays under $50k, you might feel the pinch as prices inch up. But for skilled professionals, especially those in tech or healthcare, Auburn offers a rare balance—real career opportunities without the coastal price tag.
Below, we’ll break down which jobs pay the most, how far your dollar stretches, and who’s really winning in this small city economy.
🏆 Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Auburn
Ranked by raw salary. See COL-adjusted figures in the full table below.
Marketing Manager
Pharmacist
Software Developer
Construction Manager
Project Manager
📋 Complete Salary Guide — All 27 Occupations in Auburn
COL-Adjusted Salary = Raw salary divided by the cost of living index (100/100). Higher = more real purchasing power. This city's COL is above the US average.
| # | Occupation ↕ | Raw Salary ↕ |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marketing Manager | $157,667 |
| 2 | Pharmacist | $136,070 |
| 3 | Software Developer | $127,298 |
| 4 | Construction Manager | $108,242 |
| 5 | Project Manager | $101,310 |
| 6 | Physical Therapist | $99,739 |
| 7 | Financial Analyst | $99,039 |
| 8 | Web Developer | $92,777 |
| 9 | Dental Hygienist | $87,556 |
| 10 | Accountant | $86,105 |
| 11 | Registered Nurse | $86,095 |
| 12 | Data Analyst | $83,385 |
| 13 | Police Officer | $74,932 |
| 14 | Human Resources Specialist | $67,670 |
| 15 | Elementary School Teacher | $63,689 |
| 16 | Plumber | $63,369 |
| 17 | Paralegal | $62,768 |
| 18 | Electrician | $61,568 |
| 19 | Real Estate Agent | $61,498 |
| 20 | Graphic Designer | $61,358 |
| 21 | Firefighter | $57,137 |
| 22 | Carpenter | $56,937 |
| 23 | HVAC Technician | $55,686 |
| 24 | Heavy Truck Driver | $53,105 |
| 25 | Nursing Assistant (CNA) | $50,015 |
| 26 | Welder | $49,604 |
| 27 | Medical Assistant | $38,281 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. COL Index from C2ER/ACCRA.
🏙️ Living Costs in Auburn
🧮 Can You Afford to Live in Auburn?
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❓ Auburn Salary FAQ
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📝 Editor's Verdict: Is Auburn Worth It?
Here’s my honest take: Auburn isn’t a gold rush, but it’s a steady bet. With an average salary of $79,366 and a cost-of-living index just over 100, your paycheck stretches—especially with rent at $877 a month. Marketing managers cash in big ($157k+), but let’s be real: that’s a standout, not the norm.
If you’re in healthcare, trades, or remote tech, Auburn works. You’ll find stability, lower bills, and a slower pace. If you’re chasing big-city salaries or fast career ladders, you’ll feel stuck.
My advice? Visit in January before you commit. If you can handle the cold and crave a simpler life, Auburn’s worth it. If not, the numbers won’t save you.