Engineering Portland, OR Pop. 652,503

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Portland, Oregon

The median mechanical engineer salary in Portland, OR is $113,646 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median and 7.3% above the Oregon state average.

City Median
$113,646
vs State Avg
+$7,705
vs National
+$17,336
Cost of Living
118%

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

Portland offers a median mechanical engineer salary of $113,646, which is $7,705 above the Oregon state average of $105,941. Compared to the national median of $96,310, 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 $113,646 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $96,310. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Portland should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for mechanical engineers in Portland spans from $74,812 at the 10th percentile to $172,516 at the 90th percentile — a $97,704 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $76,700, while senior mechanical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $162,840. 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.

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Portland by Experience

In Portland, an entry-level mechanical engineer earns around $76,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $162,840 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$76,700
+$11,700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$113,280
+$17,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$162,840
+$24,840 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Portland, OR

Percentile Portland
10th Percentile $74,812
25th Percentile $92,984
Median (50th) $113,646
75th Percentile $141,128
90th Percentile $172,516

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Other Oregon Cities

How to Become a Mechanical Engineer in Portland

Education

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

Key Skills

SolidWorks/CADThermodynamicsFEAManufacturingMaterials SciencePE License

Job Outlook

Nationally, mechanical engineer employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Portland may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Portland

Browse open mechanical engineer positions in Portland, OR:

Frequently Asked Questions: Mechanical Engineer Salary in Portland

How much does a Mechanical Engineer make in Portland, OR? ▼
The median mechanical engineer salary in Portland, Oregon is $113,646 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median of $96,310. Salaries range from $74,812 (10th percentile) to $172,516 (90th percentile).
How much does a Mechanical Engineer make per hour in Portland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $113,646, a mechanical 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 mechanical engineer pay? ▼
Portland's median mechanical engineer salary of $113,646 is 7.3% above the Oregon state average of $105,941. 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 mechanical engineer salary of $113,646 in Portland has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a mechanical engineer in Portland? ▼
Most mechanical engineer positions in Portland require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include SolidWorks/CAD, Thermodynamics, FEA, Manufacturing. The job market is projected to grow 2% nationally over the next decade.