Portland vs Tigard: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Portland, OR and Tigard, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Portland, OR | Tigard, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $108,087▲ | $98,069 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.96▲ | $47.15 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,494▲ | $71,059 |
| 25th Percentile | $98,422▲ | $79,611 |
| 75th Percentile | $134,496▲ | $124,854 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $169,859▲ | $152,008 |
| Total Employed | 2,520▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Portland, OR offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Tigard.
The salary gap between Portland and Tigard is $10,018 (10.22%). Portland's median is +0.87% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Portland spans $89,365,Tigard spans $80,949. Portland has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Portland ($102,529 effective) pays 7.27% more than Tigard ($95,584 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($108,087/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($169,859)
- ✓Larger job market (2,520 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,529)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Tigard if…
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Portland grew 16.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -11.6% growth in Tigard over the same period.
Portland, OR
$90,060 (2019) → $105,020 (2025)
Tigard, OR
$107,730 (2024) → $95,287 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Portland, OR
Tigard, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Portland or Tigard?
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Should I relocate from Portland to Tigard as a mechanical engineer?
What do entry-level mechanical engineers earn in Portland vs Tigard?
Written by Amina Patel, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering. She specializes in thermal analysis and works in the automotive industry.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.92% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov