Home / City Job Salaries / Mechanical Engineer in Portland

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Portland, OR

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

Median Salary
$103,010
per year in Portland
Entry Level
$63,067
Starting salary
Senior Level
$141,902
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
132
32% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how mechanical engineer salaries break down across different pay periods in Portland.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$63,067$103,010$141,902
Monthly$5,256$8,584$11,825
Biweekly$2,426$3,962$5,458
Weekly$1,213$1,981$2,729
Hourly$30$50$68

Portland vs National Average

How Portland's mechanical engineer salaries compare to national figures.

Portland Salary
$103,010
COL Index: 132
National Average
$112,400
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$9,390
Lower in Portland

Cost of Living in Portland

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,900
per month
Median Income
$66,789
per year
Population
652,503
residents
Rent % of Income
34.1%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 132 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Portland have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Mechanical Engineer

Overview

Design, develop, and test mechanical equipment and systems.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering; PE license recommended

Key Skills

CADMechanical DesignThermodynamicsProblem Solving

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +18% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Mechanical Engineer Salary

See Mechanical Engineer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$111,270
+8%
Los Angeles, CA
$114,290
+11%
Chicago, IL
$100,390
-3%
Houston, TX
$126,870
+23%
Phoenix, AZ
$102,300
-1%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a mechanical engineer salary in Portland.

Salary Breakdown Calculator

See exactly how your salary breaks down into taxes and take-home pay.

Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Portland.

Budget Calculator

Create a personalized budget based on your income and expenses.

Rent vs Buy Calculator

Compare the true costs of renting versus buying in Portland.

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Portland, OR — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a mechanical engineer in Portland, OR is $103,010 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 132. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Portland's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level mechanical engineer professionals in Portland can expect to earn around $63,067 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level mechanical engineers earning approximately $141,902 per year. This represents a 125% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Portland's cost of living index of 132 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Portland 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 mechanical engineer's salary in Portland typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,900 per month, housing represents about 22.1% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

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

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. 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.