Salaries in Augusta, ME

Here’s the thing about Augusta: you can actually make a software developer’s salary here without the crushing rent you’d find in Boston or Seattle. It’s a state capital, sure, but it feels more like a big small town where your paycheck stretches further than you’d expect.

Let’s talk purchasing power. With a cost of living index of 98.5, Augusta is basically the national average—but a median household income of $48,756 isn’t exactly raking it in. The real story is the rent. You’re looking at $1,083 for a one-bedroom, which is a relief compared to other state capitals. That means a Registered Nurse pulling $85,682 has a lot more breathing room here than they would in a pricier market.

So who’s thriving? The top earners are in tech and healthcare, with Software Developers leading the pack at $126,687. That’s a standout number for a city of just 19,000 people. You’ve also got stable, solid-paying jobs in accounting and nursing, and the city’s low 3.0% unemployment rate means employers are competing for workers. The state government is a huge anchor, but you’ll also find opportunities in education and skilled trades.

Here’s my honest take: wages here are comfortable, but they’re not keeping pace with the rapid cost increases we’ve seen statewide over the past few years. If you’re in a high-salary field like software, you’ll live very well. If you’re in an average-paying job, you’re not struggling, but you’re not getting rich either. It’s a city for people who value stability and a slower pace over climbing a corporate ladder.

The data below will break down exactly what each role pays, both in raw dollars and adjusted for that all-important cost of living.