Civil Engineer Salary in McMinnville, OR: $102,915 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time civil engineer in McMinnville, OR earns a median $102,915/year (≈ $49.48/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Once you factor in McMinnville's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.6), that paycheck buys what $100,307 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Oregon state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In McMinnville, Oregon, civil engineers are projected to earn a median annual salary of $102,915 in 2026, reflecting the unique divide in the sector among consulting firms, government agencies, and construction companies. The local salary range varies from $71,683 at the 10th percentile to $158,667 at the 90th percentile, suggesting notable disparities based on experience, education, and chosen employment path. These figures come from estimates based on 2025 BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments, illustrating the competitive yet varied job market for civil engineers in the area. The demand for civil engineers remains buoyant, influenced by infrastructure projects and the ongoing impact of federal funding through initiatives like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
About the McMinnville Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,683 | $34.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $81,959 | $39.40 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $102,915 | $49.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $129,020 | $62.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $158,667 | $76.28 |
Median Salary Position
0.56% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in McMinnville
In McMinnville, OR, the civil engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $86,984 (2026 est.). At $102,915, the local median is 0.56% below the national median of $103,492.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in McMinnville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How McMinnville Civil Engineer Pay Compares
McMinnville median: $102,915/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | McMinnville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Average | $103,850 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $103,492 | -0.56% less |
Civil Engineers in McMinnville, OR earn a median of $102,915 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.56% lower than the national median of $103,492 and 0.90% below the Oregon state average of $103,850.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
McMinnville has a cost of living 2.60% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
McMinnville, OR has a cost-of-living index of 102.6 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $102,915 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $100,307 — a 2.53% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$86,575
2025 BLS Actual
$100,278
2026 Current Est.
$102,915
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in McMinnville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $86,575 | Actual |
| 2020 | $88,076 | Actual |
| 2021 | $87,559 | Actual |
| 2022 | $89,439 | Actual |
| 2023 | $95,356 | Actual |
| 2024 | $103,750 | Actual |
| 2025 | $100,278 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $102,915 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $105,622 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the McMinnville metropolitan area, the median civil engineer salary grew 15.8% from $86,575 (2019) to $100,278 (2025). At a 2.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $105,622 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,047 (22.00%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the McMinnville metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.63% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $71,683 – $81,959 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $81,959 – $102,915 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $102,915 – $129,020 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $129,020 – $158,667 |
CE, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual civil engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Civil Engineer Job Market in McMinnville
With only five civil engineers currently employed in McMinnville, the local job market presents both challenges and opportunities for aspiring professionals. The cost of living index stands at 102.6, slightly above the national average, which impacts the purchasing power of civil engineer pay in McMinnville, OR. Among the various employers, top consulting firms like AECOM and Jacobs generally offer higher compensation, while state and local government positions may have more modest pay scales. Factors such as obtaining a Professional Engineer (PE) license can significantly enhance earning potential, particularly for those transitioning into senior roles or specialized fields like structural and geotechnical engineering. The spread between lower and higher salaries often reflects the prestige of the employing firm, the complexity of projects handled, and the individual's career trajectory. To maximize pay in McMinnville, engineers should consider pursuing licensure, gaining experience in high-demand specialties, and exploring opportunities with leading firms to capitalize on potential growth within this competitive market.
More salary data for McMinnville, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $100,278 for civil engineersin the McMinnville metropolitan area. A 2.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for McMinnville is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.63%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for civil engineers (SOC 17-2051).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov