Portland vs Eugene: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Portland, OR and Eugene, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Portland, OR | Eugene, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $109,075▲ | $101,542 |
| Hourly Rate | $52.44▲ | $48.82 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,934▲ | $74,745 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,752▲ | $80,318 |
| 75th Percentile | $139,443▲ | $123,146 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $170,427▲ | $146,781 |
| Total Employed | 4,180▲ | 230 |
Verdict
Portland, OR offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Eugene.
The salary gap between Portland and Eugene is $7,533 (7.42%). 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 Portland spans $89,493,Eugene spans $72,036. Portland 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, Portland ($103,466 effective) pays 3.49% more than Eugene ($99,974 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Eugene if…
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Portland grew 20.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 24.0% growth in Eugene over the same period.
Portland, OR
$88,550 (2019) → $106,280 (2025)
Eugene, OR
$79,780 (2019) → $98,940 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Portland, OR
Eugene, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Portland or Eugene?
What is the hourly rate difference between Portland and Eugene?
Should I relocate from Portland to Eugene as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Portland vs Eugene?
Related Comparisons
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