Portland vs Salem: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Portland, OR and Salem, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Portland, OR | Salem, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $109,075 | $118,517▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $52.44 | $56.98▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,934▲ | $80,277 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,752 | $97,529▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $139,443 | $144,657▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $170,427▲ | $151,482 |
| Total Employed | 4,180▲ | 480 |
Verdict
Portland and Salem are closely matched on overall civil engineer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Portland and Salem is $9,442 (8.66%). Salem's median is +14.52% 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,Salem spans $71,205. 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, Salem ($114,345 effective) pays 10.51% more than Portland ($103,466 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($170,427)
- ✓Larger job market (4,180 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($118,517/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $114,345)
- ✓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 18.2% growth in Salem over the same period.
Portland, OR
$88,550 (2019) → $106,280 (2025)
Salem, OR
$97,700 (2019) → $115,480 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Portland, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Portland or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Portland and Salem?
Should I relocate from Portland to Salem as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Portland vs Salem?
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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