Salem vs Tigard: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Salem, OR and Tigard, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Salem, OR | Tigard, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $118,517▲ | $100,926 |
| Hourly Rate | $56.98▲ | $48.52 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,277▲ | $69,700 |
| 25th Percentile | $97,529▲ | $80,372 |
| 75th Percentile | $144,657▲ | $129,186 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $151,482 | $156,436▲ |
| Total Employed | 480▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Salem, OR offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tigard.
The salary gap between Salem and Tigard is $17,591 (17.43%). 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 Salem spans $71,205,Tigard spans $86,736. Tigard 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, Salem ($114,345 effective) pays 16.24% more than Tigard ($98,368 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($118,517/year)
- ✓Larger job market (480 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $114,345)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Tigard if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($156,436)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Salem grew 18.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -3.3% growth in Tigard over the same period.
Salem, OR
$97,700 (2019) → $115,480 (2025)
Tigard, OR
$101,745 (2024) → $98,340 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Tigard, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Salem or Tigard?
What is the hourly rate difference between Salem and Tigard?
Should I relocate from Salem to Tigard as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Salem vs Tigard?
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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