Civil Engineer Salary in Pendleton, OR: $99,725 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time civil engineer in Pendleton, OR earns a median $99,725/year (≈ $47.95/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Once you factor in Pendleton's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.6), that paycheck buys what $97,198 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.9% below the Oregon state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pendleton, Oregon, the projected median salary for civil engineers in 2026 stands at $99,725, showcasing the value of a Professional Engineer (PE) license and the potential for career progression from Engineering Intern (EIT) to PE. The salary range reflects this career path; entry-level engineers can expect to earn around $71,555, while those at the top of their field may see compensation reaching up to $148,738. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price parity, help inform local engineers about their value in the job market. While the local average is slightly below the national median of $103,492, Pendleton offers robust opportunities for civil engineers eager to capitalize on the ongoing infrastructure projects driven by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
About the Pendleton Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,555 | $34.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $80,665 | $38.78 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $99,725 | $47.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $125,253 | $60.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $148,738 | $71.51 |
Median Salary Position
3.64% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pendleton
In Pendleton, OR, the civil engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $77,183 (2026 est.). At $99,725, the local median is 3.64% below the national median of $103,492.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pendleton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pendleton Civil Engineer Pay Compares
Pendleton median: $99,725/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pendleton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Average | $103,772 | -3.90% less |
| National Average | $103,492 | -3.64% less |
Civil Engineers in Pendleton, OR earn a median of $99,725 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.64% lower than the national median of $103,492 and 3.90% below the Oregon state average of $103,772.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pendleton has a cost of living 2.60% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pendleton, OR has a cost-of-living index of 102.6 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $99,725 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $97,198 — a 2.53% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$83,891
2025 BLS Actual
$97,169
2026 Current Est.
$99,725
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Pendleton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $83,891 | Actual |
| 2020 | $85,346 | Actual |
| 2021 | $84,845 | Actual |
| 2022 | $86,666 | Actual |
| 2023 | $92,399 | Actual |
| 2024 | $100,533 | Actual |
| 2025 | $97,169 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $99,725 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $102,347 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pendleton metropolitan area, the median civil engineer salary grew 15.8% from $83,891 (2019) to $97,169 (2025). At a 2.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $102,347 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,456 (22.00%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pendleton 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) | $71,555 – $80,665 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $80,665 – $99,725 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $99,725 – $125,253 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $125,253 – $148,738 |
CE, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual civil engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Civil Engineer Job Market in Pendleton
The job market for civil engineers in Pendleton remains concentrated, with only five engineers currently employed in the area, which may limit competition but also demand specific expertise. The cost of living index sits at 102.6, indicating that while salaries are competitive, they must be evaluated against local living expenses. Firms like AECOM and Jacobs tend to compensate higher than smaller companies or local public works departments, due to the complexity and scale of their projects. The variance in civil engineer pay in Pendleton can largely be attributed to specialization, with those focused on structural or geotechnical areas often earning more, alongside those in project management roles. To maximize earning potential in this market, engineers should consider obtaining their PE licenses and gaining experience with larger firms or engaging in sectors influenced by substantial government investment in infrastructure.
More salary data for Pendleton, 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 $97,169 for civil engineersin the Pendleton 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 Pendleton 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