Civil Engineer Salary in Portland, OR
2024 BLS OEWS Data · Engineering · COL Index: 130.1
$104,360
Median Salary
$111,580
Mean Salary
$80,215
COL-Adjusted
3,520
Employment
Salary Distribution
Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Salary | COL-Adjusted |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $75,450 | $57,994 |
| 25th Percentile | $83,440 | $64,135 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $104,360 | $80,215 |
| 75th Percentile | $131,480 | $101,061 |
| 90th Percentile (Top Earners) | $157,700 | $121,214 |
What Drives the Range
The $82,250 spread between the 10th and 90th percentiles for Civil Engineer positions in Portland, OR reflects several factors. Entry-level professionals and those in smaller organizations typically fall in the lower quartiles, while senior specialists, those with in-demand certifications, and employees at large enterprises command salaries in the upper percentiles.
Portland, OR's cost-of-living index of 130.1 means that a $104,360 median salary here has the same purchasing power as $80,215 in an average-cost U.S. city. Despite the higher cost of living, this metro area offers a deep talent pool and typically higher total compensation when including equity and bonuses.