💰 COL Index: 104 — Near Avg Cost

Salaries in Saco, ME

What every job actually pays — cost-of-living adjusted

Updated: February 2026 · 27 occupations · BLS + Census data

Avg. Salary
$57,622
across 27 roles
COL-Adjusted Avg
$55,620
real purchasing power
Top Paying Role
Software Developer
$128,634
1BR Rent
$1,139
median monthly

Here’s the quiet secret about Saco: the guy wiring your house or debugging your software is probably making more than the national average, even after you adjust for the fact that a one-bedroom apartment costs $1,139 a month. With an unemployment rate of just 3.0% and a population of 20,636, this isn’t some sleepy backwater—it’s a small city where the job market is surprisingly tight.

Let’s talk real purchasing power. Saco’s cost of living index is 103.6—about 3.6% pricier than the U.S. average. That sounds like a bad deal, but look closer. The median household income is $84,328, and the COL-adjusted average salary here is $55,620. You’re not getting rich overnight, but your paycheck stretches further than it would in Boston or Portland. For a software developer earning $128,634, the adjusted take-home feels like $124,164—solid money in a place where a mortgage is still somewhat sane.

Who’s thriving? The data points to a few clear winners. Tech roles, healthcare, and skilled trades are the big players. Saco’s proximity to Portland means companies like Wex Inc. and shipbuilders at General Dynamics Bath Iron Works draw talent here. Teachers and accountants do okay, but the real money is in the specialties. I’ll admit, I was surprised that electricians pull down $62,214—higher than the national median for that trade, and they’re in constant demand with all the residential and commercial builds happening along the I-95 corridor.

Here’s the catch: while wages are strong for skilled workers, the average salary across all roles is just $57,622 (or $55,600 adjusted). That’s above the U.S. median but not enough to轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松轻松

🏆 Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Saco

Ranked by raw salary. See COL-adjusted figures in the full table below.

🥇 +1% vs national

Software Developer

$128,634
💡 COL-Adjusted $124,164
⏱ Hourly $61.84/hr
📈 Job Growth +17.0%
🥈 +1% vs national

Accountant

$87,009
💡 COL-Adjusted $83,986
⏱ Hourly $41.83/hr
📈 Job Growth +3.0%
🥉 +1% vs national

Registered Nurse

$86,999
💡 COL-Adjusted $83,976
⏱ Hourly $41.83/hr
📈 Job Growth +6.0%
4️⃣ +1% vs national

Elementary School Teacher

$64,357
💡 COL-Adjusted $62,121
⏱ Hourly $30.94/hr
📈 Job Growth +3.0%
5️⃣ +1% vs national

Electrician

$62,214
💡 COL-Adjusted $60,052
⏱ Hourly $29.91/hr
📈 Job Growth +3.0%

📋 Complete Salary Guide — All 27 Occupations in Saco

COL-Adjusted Salary = Raw salary divided by the cost of living index (104/100). Higher = more real purchasing power. This city's COL is above the US average.

# Occupation ↕ Raw Salary ↕
1 Software Developer $128,634
2 Accountant $87,009
3 Registered Nurse $86,999
4 Elementary School Teacher $64,357
5 Electrician $62,214
6 Real Estate Agent $62,143
7 Heavy Truck Driver $53,663
8 Paralegal $50,539
9 Welder $50,539
10 Nursing Assistant (CNA) $50,539
11 Dental Hygienist $50,539
12 Police Officer $50,539
13 Project Manager $50,539
14 Graphic Designer $50,539
15 Data Analyst $50,539
16 Plumber $50,539
17 Carpenter $50,539
18 Construction Manager $50,539
19 Human Resources Specialist $50,539
20 Physical Therapist $50,539
21 Financial Analyst $50,539
22 Pharmacist $50,539
23 HVAC Technician $50,539
24 Web Developer $50,539
25 Firefighter $50,539
26 Marketing Manager $50,539
27 Medical Assistant $50,539

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. COL Index from C2ER/ACCRA.

🏙️ Living Costs in Saco

🏠
1BR Rent
$1,139/mo
🏡
2BR Rent
$1,423/mo
🏘️
Median Home
$469,000
📉
Unemployment
3.0%
💳
Median Income
$84,328
🎓
College Educated
41%
🚶
Walk Score
35/100
📊
Cost of Living
104
Near Avg Cost

🧮 Can You Afford to Live in Saco?

Use our Salary Reality Check to see if your specific income covers housing, taxes, and expenses in Saco. Enter your salary and see exactly how far your money goes.

Saco Salary FAQ

What is the average salary in Saco, ME?

The average salary across 40 occupations in Saco, ME (2026) is $57,622. This figure is below the median household income of $84,328. Insight: The average individual salary is lower than the typical household income, suggesting dual-income households are common.

What jobs pay the most in Saco?

The highest paying role in Saco, ME is Software Developer at $128,634. This salary is more than double the area's average of $57,622. Insight: Tech roles command a significant premium over the local average salary.

Is Saco affordable on a Software Developer salary?

Yes, a Software Developer salary of $128,634 is very comfortable in Saco. With a 1BR rent of $1,139/month, housing costs are only 10.7% of the gross monthly salary. Insight: The high salary relative to rent leaves substantial income for savings and other expenses.

How does Saco's cost of living affect my paycheck?

Saco's Cost of Living Index is 103.6, making it 3.6% more expensive than the national average. For a $57,622 average salary, this index means your purchasing power is slightly reduced compared to a typical U.S. location. Insight: While slightly above average, the COL is moderated by relatively affordable rent.

What salary do you need to live comfortably in Saco?

A comfortable living salary in Saco is approximately $84,328, matching the median household income. This allows for a 1BR rent ($1,139/mo) to be 16% of gross income, leaving room for savings and discretionary spending. Insight: Targeting the median household income provides a realistic benchmark for financial comfort in the area.

📝 Editor's Verdict: Is Saco Worth It?

Here’s my honest verdict: Saco isn’t a goldmine, but it’s a solid bet if you know where to aim. With an average salary of $57,622 and a cost of living index of 103.6, you’re not getting rich, but you’re also not getting crushed. Tech workers are the clear winners—Software Developer salaries ($128,634) hold up even after cost-of-living adjustments ($124,164). Healthcare and skilled trades can do well, but they won’t see the same return. For everyone else, it’s a grind.

My advice? If you’re moving here for work, lock in a remote or tech role before you pack. Saco’s charm is real, but your wallet will thank you for bringing the income with you. It’s a place to live, not just a place to work. Choose wisely.

Explore Saco Further