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Automotive Engineer Salary in Bend, OR

How much does a automotive engineer make in Bend? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Bend's cost of living.

Median Salary
$155,112
per year in Bend
Entry Level
$94,007
Starting salary
Senior Level
$213,083
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
138
38% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how automotive engineer salaries break down across different pay periods in Bend.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$94,007$155,112$213,083
Monthly$7,834$12,926$17,757
Biweekly$3,616$5,966$8,196
Weekly$1,808$2,983$4,098
Hourly$45$75$102

Bend vs National Average

How Bend's automotive engineer salaries compare to national figures.

Bend Salary
$155,112
COL Index: 138
National Average
$112,400
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$42,712
Higher in Bend

Cost of Living in Bend

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,650
per month
Median Income
$68,450
per year
Population
102,059
residents
Rent % of Income
28.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 138 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Bend have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Automotive Engineer

Overview

Design and develop vehicles and automotive systems.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Automotive or Mechanical Engineering

Key Skills

Vehicle DesignCADPowertrain SystemsPerformance Testing

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +18% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Automotive Engineer Salary

See Automotive Engineer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$111,270
-28%
Los Angeles, CA
$114,290
-26%
Chicago, IL
$100,390
-35%
Houston, TX
$126,870
-18%
Phoenix, AZ
$102,300
-34%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Automotive Engineer Salary in Bend, OR — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a automotive engineer in Bend, OR is $155,112 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 138. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Bend's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level automotive engineer professionals in Bend can expect to earn around $94,007 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level automotive engineers earning approximately $213,083 per year. This represents a 127% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Bend's cost of living index of 138 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Bend are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $112,400, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a automotive engineer's salary in Bend typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,650 per month, housing represents about 12.8% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Automotive Engineers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 18% over the next decade. In Bend, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.