Bend vs Hillsboro: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Bend, OR and Hillsboro, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bend, OR | Hillsboro, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,810 | $111,558▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.91 | $53.63▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,795▲ | $73,908 |
| 25th Percentile | $85,983 | $86,733▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $127,477 | $142,794▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $151,297 | $172,914▲ |
| Total Employed | 240▲ | 22 |
Verdict
Hillsboro, OR offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bend.
The salary gap between Bend and Hillsboro is $7,748 (7.46%). Hillsboro's median is +7.79% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bend spans $71,502,Hillsboro spans $99,006. Hillsboro has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced civil engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Hillsboro ($108,731 effective) pays 8.52% more than Bend ($100,196 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bend if…
- ✓Larger job market (240 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Hillsboro if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($111,558/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($172,914)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,731)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Bend grew 27.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 0.6% growth in Hillsboro over the same period.
Bend, OR
$79,590 (2019) → $101,150 (2025)
Hillsboro, OR
$108,104 (2024) → $108,699 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hillsboro, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
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Should I relocate from Bend to Hillsboro as a civil engineer?
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Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% 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 Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov