Senior Civil Engineer Salary in Hillsboro, OR: $172,914 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of civil engineers working in Hillsboro, OR — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $172,914/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 17-2051. Strip back Hillsboro's price premium (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $168,532 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a senior civil engineer in Hillsboro, Oregon, can anticipate a rewarding average salary of $111,558 annually. The potential for top earners in this field is quite significant, with projections indicating salaries reaching as high as $172,914 at the 90th percentile. This tier of pay not only reflects the experience and expertise required to excel in demanding roles but also illustrates a substantial gap, highlighting the opportunities available for seasoned professionals who develop advanced skills and specializations. To achieve such high compensation, engineers typically must demonstrate proficiency in leading complex projects and obtaining advanced credentials, such as a Professional Engineer (PE) license, to command respect and higher pay in an increasingly competitive job market.
About the Hillsboro Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hillsboro
Experienced civil engineers at the top of the pay scale in Hillsboro earn between $142,794 and $172,914 per year (2026 est.). This $99,006 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Hillsboro median of $111,558 sits 7.79% above the US median.
Top CE, PE Salary Comparison
| Level | Hillsboro | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $111,558 | $103,492 |
| 75th Percentile | $142,794 | $133,091 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $172,914 | $167,513 |
In Hillsboro, experienced civil engineers (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Civil Engineer Pay in Hillsboro
Advanced Certifications in Oregon
OR civil engineers with additional specialty certifications within the civil engineering field earn significantly above the $111,558 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Hillsboro employers.
Specialty Focus
Civil Engineers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the civil engineering field in Hillsboro command premium compensation, often reaching the $142,794–$172,914 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Hillsboro metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced civil engineers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured civil engineers in Hillsboro with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Civil Engineers in Oregon who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Civil Engineer Career & Wage Growth Path in Hillsboro
Clinical Civil Engineer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Civil Engineer
5-10 yearsCivil Engineer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedHillsboro ranks #2 of 36 Oregon cities for top earner civil engineer salary (90th percentile: $172,914).
Top 10% civil engineer compensation in Hillsboro ($172,914) is 4.38% above the Oregon average P90 ($165,663).
2019 BLS Actual
$149,221
2025 BLS Actual
$168,483
2026 Current Est.
$172,914
2019–2027 Growth
+18.9%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Hillsboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $149,221 | Actual |
| 2020 | $149,479 | Actual |
| 2021 | $137,619 | Actual |
| 2022 | $143,162 | Actual |
| 2023 | $155,497 | Actual |
| 2024 | $167,561 | Actual |
| 2025 | $168,483 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $172,914 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $177,462 | Projected |
Top-earning civil engineers (90th percentile) in Hillsboro saw their compensation grow 12.9% from $149,221 in 2019 to $168,483 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.63% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $177,462 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hillsboro 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.
Maximizing Your Civil Engineer Earnings in Hillsboro
The civil engineering landscape in Hillsboro reveals that certain specializations can drive compensation higher than the median salary, particularly in fields such as transportation, structural, and geotechnical engineering. Those employed by premier engineering consulting firms like Jacobs, AECOM, and WSP are likely to see compensation packages that surpass those offered by local public works departments or smaller firms. The pathways to advancement are well-defined; engineers can progress through established roles from Engineer-in-Training to Senior Engineer, eventually aspiring to Project Manager or Principal roles. Advanced qualifications, including passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and obtaining the PE license, are vital for this progression. Non-salary benefits, including the firm’s prestige and the volume of projects within the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law impact zones, also play a critical role in attracting top civil engineering talent to Hillsboro, OR.
More salary data for Hillsboro, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced civil engineers make in Hillsboro in 2026?
What drives higher civil engineer pay in Hillsboro?
What certifications boost civil engineer salary in Hillsboro?
Can experienced civil engineers make six figures in Hillsboro?
How much does civil engineer salary increase over time in Hillsboro?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $168,483 for civil engineers in the Hillsboro metro area. A 2.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hillsboro 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