Agriculture & Environment Portland, OR Pop. 652,503

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Portland, Oregon

The median agricultural scientist salary in Portland, OR is $87,509 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median and 7.3% above the Oregon state average.

City Median
$87,509
vs State Avg
+$5,933
vs National
+$13,349
Cost of Living
118%

Agricultural Scientist Pay in Portland: What to Expect (2026)

Portland offers a median agricultural scientist salary of $87,509, which is $5,933 above the Oregon state average of $81,576. Compared to the national median of $74,160, Portland pays above average for this role.

However, Portland's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $87,509 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $74,160. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Portland should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for agricultural scientists in Portland spans from $51,920 at the 10th percentile to $143,960 at the 90th percentile — a $92,040 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $56,640, while senior agricultural scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $135,700. As a major metro area with a population of 652,503, Portland typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Portland by Experience

In Portland, an entry-level agricultural scientist earns around $56,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $135,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$56,640
+$8,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$89,680
+$13,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$135,700
+$20,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Portland, OR

Percentile Portland
10th Percentile $51,920
25th Percentile $66,080
Median (50th) $87,509
75th Percentile $115,640
90th Percentile $143,960

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Other Oregon Cities

Hillsboro, OR
$83,059
Pop. 106,447
Gresham, OR
$80,093
Pop. 113,103
Eugene, OR
$77,868
Pop. 176,654
Salem, OR
$75,643
Pop. 175,535

How to Become a Agricultural Scientist in Portland

Education

Most agricultural scientist positions require a bachelor's degree. Portland and the surrounding Oregon area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

AgronomyResearch MethodsData AnalysisSoil ScienceGeneticsScientific Writing

Job Outlook

Nationally, agricultural scientist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Portland may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Agricultural Scientist Jobs in Portland

Browse open agricultural scientist positions in Portland, OR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Agricultural Scientist Salary in Portland

How much does a Agricultural Scientist make in Portland, OR? ▼
The median agricultural scientist salary in Portland, Oregon is $87,509 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median of $74,160. Salaries range from $51,920 (10th percentile) to $143,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Agricultural Scientist make per hour in Portland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $87,509, a agricultural scientist in Portland earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Portland compare to the Oregon state average for agricultural scientist pay? ▼
Portland's median agricultural scientist salary of $87,509 is 7.3% above the Oregon state average of $81,576. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Portland, OR? ▼
Portland has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a agricultural scientist salary of $87,509 in Portland has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a agricultural scientist in Portland? ▼
Most agricultural scientist positions in Portland require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Agronomy, Research Methods, Data Analysis, Soil Science. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.