Engineering Portland, OR Pop. 652,503

Environmental Engineer Salary in Portland, Oregon

The median environmental engineer salary in Portland, OR is $114,248 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median and 7.3% above the Oregon state average.

City Median
$114,248
vs State Avg
+$7,746
vs National
+$17,428
Cost of Living
118%

Environmental Engineer Pay in Portland: What to Expect (2026)

Portland offers a median environmental engineer salary of $114,248, which is $7,746 above the Oregon state average of $106,502. Compared to the national median of $96,820, 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 $114,248 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $96,820. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Portland should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for environmental engineers in Portland spans from $71,980 at the 10th percentile to $174,640 at the 90th percentile — a $102,660 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $75,520, while senior environmental engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $167,560. 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.

Environmental Engineer Salary in Portland by Experience

In Portland, an entry-level environmental engineer earns around $75,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $167,560 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$75,520
+$11,520 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$115,640
+$17,640 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$167,560
+$25,560 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Portland, OR

Percentile Portland
10th Percentile $71,980
25th Percentile $89,680
Median (50th) $114,248
75th Percentile $143,960
90th Percentile $174,640

Environmental Engineer Salary in Other Oregon Cities

How to Become a Environmental Engineer in Portland

Education

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

Key Skills

Environmental RemediationWater TreatmentAir QualityEPA RegulationsGISProject Management

Job Outlook

Nationally, environmental engineer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Portland may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Environmental Engineer Jobs in Portland

Browse open environmental engineer positions in Portland, OR:

Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Engineer Salary in Portland

How much does a Environmental Engineer make in Portland, OR? ▼
The median environmental engineer salary in Portland, Oregon is $114,248 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median of $96,820. Salaries range from $71,980 (10th percentile) to $174,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Engineer make per hour in Portland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $114,248, a environmental engineer in Portland earns approximately $55 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Portland compare to the Oregon state average for environmental engineer pay? ▼
Portland's median environmental engineer salary of $114,248 is 7.3% above the Oregon state average of $106,502. 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 environmental engineer salary of $114,248 in Portland has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental engineer in Portland? ▼
Most environmental engineer positions in Portland require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Environmental Remediation, Water Treatment, Air Quality, EPA Regulations. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.