Lewiston vs Scarborough: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Lewiston, ME and Scarborough, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lewiston, ME | Scarborough, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,131▲ | $101,823 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.54▲ | $48.95 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,784▲ | $75,645 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,543 | $87,110▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $131,970▲ | $123,599 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $160,394▲ | $146,943 |
| Total Employed | 7▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Lewiston, ME offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Scarborough.
The salary gap between Lewiston and Scarborough is $3,308 (3.25%). Lewiston's median is -1.88% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lewiston spans $84,610,Scarborough spans $71,298. Lewiston has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Lewiston ($105,553 effective) pays 3.25% more than Scarborough ($102,232 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lewiston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,131/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($160,394)
- ✓Larger job market (7 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,553)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose Scarborough if…
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Lewiston grew 29.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.2% growth in Scarborough over the same period.
Lewiston, ME
$78,780 (2019) → $102,148 (2025)
Scarborough, ME
$87,426 (2024) → $98,934 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lewiston, ME
Scarborough, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Lewiston or Scarborough?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lewiston and Scarborough?
Should I relocate from Lewiston to Scarborough as a mechanical engineer?
What do entry-level mechanical engineers earn in Lewiston vs Scarborough?
Written by Amina Patel, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering. She specializes in thermal analysis and works in the automotive industry.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.92% 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 Amina Patel, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov