Trades & Labor Portland, OR Pop. 652,503

Solar Installer Salary in Portland, Oregon

The median solar installer salary in Portland, OR is $57,681 per year, which is 21.0% above the national median and 7.1% above the Oregon state average.

City Median
$57,681
vs State Avg
+$3,814
vs National
+$10,011
Cost of Living
118%

Solar Installer Pay in Portland: What to Expect (2026)

Portland offers a median solar installer salary of $57,681, which is $3,814 above the Oregon state average of $53,867. Compared to the national median of $47,670, 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 $57,681 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $48,882. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Portland should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for solar installers in Portland spans from $38,720 at the 10th percentile to $87,120 at the 90th percentile — a $48,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $41,140, while senior solar installers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $82,280. 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.

Solar Installer Salary in Portland by Experience

In Portland, an entry-level solar installer earns around $41,140, while experienced professionals earn up to $82,280 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$41,140
+$7,140 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$59,290
+$10,290 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$82,280
+$14,280 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Portland, OR

Percentile Portland
10th Percentile $38,720
25th Percentile $45,980
Median (50th) $57,681
75th Percentile $72,600
90th Percentile $87,120

Solar Installer Salary in Other Oregon Cities

Hillsboro, OR
$54,821
Pop. 106,447
Gresham, OR
$52,914
Pop. 113,103
Eugene, OR
$51,484
Pop. 176,654
Salem, OR
$50,054
Pop. 175,535

How to Become a Solar Installer in Portland

Education

Most solar installer positions require a high school diploma. Portland and the surrounding Oregon area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Solar PV SystemsElectricalRoofingSafetyBlueprint ReadingNEC Code

Job Outlook

Nationally, solar installer employment is projected to grow 22% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Portland may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Solar Installer Jobs in Portland

Browse open solar installer positions in Portland, OR:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Solar Installer Salary in Portland

How much does a Solar Installer make in Portland, OR? ▼
The median solar installer salary in Portland, Oregon is $57,681 per year, which is 21.0% above the national median of $47,670. Salaries range from $38,720 (10th percentile) to $87,120 (90th percentile).
How much does a Solar Installer make per hour in Portland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $57,681, a solar installer in Portland earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Portland compare to the Oregon state average for solar installer pay? ▼
Portland's median solar installer salary of $57,681 is 7.1% above the Oregon state average of $53,867. 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 solar installer salary of $57,681 in Portland has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a solar installer in Portland? ▼
Most solar installer positions in Portland require a high school diploma. Key skills include Solar PV Systems, Electrical, Roofing, Safety. The job market is projected to grow 22% nationally over the next decade.