Portland vs Springfield: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Portland, OR and Springfield, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Portland, OR | Springfield, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $109,075▲ | $100,231 |
| Hourly Rate | $52.44▲ | $48.18 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,934▲ | $70,130 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,752▲ | $80,424 |
| 75th Percentile | $139,443▲ | $128,295 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $170,427▲ | $155,357 |
| Total Employed | 4,180▲ | 13 |
Verdict
Portland, OR offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Springfield.
The salary gap between Portland and Springfield is $8,844 (8.82%). 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,Springfield spans $85,227. 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 5.91% more than Springfield ($97,691 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 Springfield 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 -4.5% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Portland, OR
$88,550 (2019) → $106,280 (2025)
Springfield, OR
$102,267 (2024) → $97,662 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Portland, OR
Springfield, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Portland or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Portland and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Portland to Springfield as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Portland vs Springfield?
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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