Forest Grove vs Portland: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Forest Grove, OR and Portland, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Forest Grove, OR | Portland, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,352 | $109,075▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.73 | $52.44▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,000 | $80,934▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $78,798 | $84,752▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $127,386 | $139,443▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $156,792 | $170,427▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 4,180▲ |
Verdict
Portland, OR offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Forest Grove.
The salary gap between Forest Grove and Portland is $7,723 (7.62%). Portland's median is +5.39% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Forest Grove spans $88,792,Portland spans $89,493. Portland 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, Portland ($103,466 effective) pays 4.74% more than Forest Grove ($98,784 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Forest Grove if…
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($109,075/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($170,427)
- ✓Larger job market (4,180 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,466)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Forest Grove grew -3.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.0% growth in Portland over the same period.
Forest Grove, OR
$102,174 (2024) → $98,755 (2025)
Portland, OR
$88,550 (2019) → $106,280 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Forest Grove, OR
Portland, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Forest Grove or Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Forest Grove and Portland?
Should I relocate from Forest Grove to Portland as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Forest Grove vs Portland?
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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