Bend vs Medford: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Bend, OR and Medford, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bend, OR | Medford, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,810▲ | $97,047 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.91▲ | $46.66 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,795▲ | $73,288 |
| 25th Percentile | $85,983▲ | $79,610 |
| 75th Percentile | $127,477▲ | $118,517 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $151,297▲ | $132,855 |
| Total Employed | 240▲ | 90 |
Verdict
Bend, OR offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Medford.
The salary gap between Bend and Medford is $6,763 (6.97%). Bend's median is +0.31% 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,Medford spans $59,567. Bend 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, Bend ($100,196 effective) pays 4.72% more than Medford ($95,676 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bend if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,810/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($151,297)
- ✓Larger job market (240 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $100,196)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Medford if…
- ✓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 17.2% growth in Medford over the same period.
Bend, OR
$79,590 (2019) → $101,150 (2025)
Medford, OR
$80,710 (2019) → $94,560 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Medford, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
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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