Mechanical Engineer Salary in Oregon: $106,269 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Oregon's 36 metropolitan areas, the average median mechanical engineer pay sits at $106,269/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 17-2141. Because Oregon sits at BEA RPP 102.6 (3% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $103,576 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Hillsboro ($107,410), Corvallis ($106,700), Portland ($105,020).
In 2026, mechanical engineers in Oregon are projected to earn an average median salary of $106,269, slightly below the national median of $107,150, showing a difference of 0.8%. The highest paying city for this profession is Hillsboro, where salaries reach $110,546, while Milwaukie offers the lowest at $92,707. The salary gap of $17,839 reflects variations in local demand, cost of living, and industry concentration in different regions. Cities like Corvallis and Portland also present competitive salaries at $109,816 and $108,087, respectively. Oregon has specific licensing requirements and scope of practice laws that may influence job prospects and salary potential, making familiarity with state regulations important for aspiring professionals. The field anticipates a growth rate of 2.92% annually, indicating steady demand for mechanical engineers. With 3,271 employed engineers in the state, the job market remains strong, driven by sectors such as technology, renewable energy, and manufacturing. Prospective engineers should consider locations like Hillsboro and Corvallis, where opportunities and salaries are currently higher, to make the most of their career in this evolving field.
Oregon Mechanical Engineer Salary Range
Overall salary range in Oregon: $67,708 (lowest entry-level) to $171,347 (highest top earner)
Oregon vs National Average
Oregon mechanical engineers earn 0.82% less than the national median ($-881/year difference).
Oregon Mechanical Engineer Salary Distribution (2026)
Mechanical Engineer salaries in Oregon range from $79,340 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $164,674 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $106,269. The Oregon median is $881 below the US national median of $107,150. The average hourly rate is $51.09/hr. Approximately 3,271 mechanical engineers are employed across 36 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$88,065
2025 BLS Actual
$103,254
2026 Current Est.
$106,269
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Oregon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $88,065 | Actual |
| 2020 | $91,783 | Actual |
| 2021 | $94,766 | Actual |
| 2022 | $98,492 | Actual |
| 2023 | $100,916 | Actual |
| 2024 | $102,031 | Actual |
| 2025 | $103,254 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $106,269 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $109,372 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Oregon metropolitan area, the median mechanical engineer salary grew 17.2% from $88,065 (2019) to $103,254 (2025). At a 2.92% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $109,372 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,307 (24.19%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oregon metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.92% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Oregon
Lowest Paying Cities in Oregon
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Milwaukie | $92,707 |
| Klamath Falls | $92,926 |
| The Dalles | $93,488 |
| Newberg | $94,497 |
| Canby | $95,021 |
Best Value Cities for Mechanical Engineers in Oregon
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Oregon cities offer the most purchasing power for mechanical engineers.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hillsboro | $110,546 | 102.6 | $107,745 |
| Corvallis | $109,816 | 104.017 | $105,575 |
| Portland | $108,087 | 105.421 | $102,529 |
| Gresham | $103,213 | 102.6 | $100,597 |
| Bend | $104,083 | 103.607 | $100,459 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Oregon
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $79,340 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $106,269 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $164,674 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Oregon metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 36 Cities in Oregon
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hillsboro | $110,546 |
| 2 | Corvallis | $109,816 |
| 3 | Portland | $108,087 |
| 4 | Bend | $104,083 |
| 5 | Gresham | $103,213 |
| 6 | Salem | $100,872 |
| 7 | Beaverton | $100,275 |
| 8 | McMinnville | $100,002 |
| 9 | Oregon City | $99,885 |
| 10 | Albany | $99,534 |
| 11 | Woodburn | $99,219 |
| 12 | Lake Oswego | $98,742 |
| 13 | Forest Grove | $98,484 |
| 14 | Tigard | $98,069 |
| 15 | Redmond | $98,037 |
| 16 | West Linn | $97,755 |
| 17 | Grants Pass | $97,403 |
| 18 | Tualatin | $96,911 |
| 19 | Pendleton | $96,902 |
| 20 | Medford | $96,776 |
| 21 | Wilsonville | $96,761 |
| 22 | Eugene | $96,385 |
| 23 | Happy Valley | $95,931 |
| 24 | Hermiston | $95,665 |
| 25 | Central Point | $95,620 |
| 26 | Ashland | $95,613 |
| 27 | Keizer | $95,587 |
| 28 | Sherwood | $95,582 |
| 29 | Coos Bay | $95,422 |
| 30 | Springfield | $95,139 |
| 31 | Roseburg | $95,073 |
| 32 | Canby | $95,021 |
| 33 | Newberg | $94,497 |
| 34 | The Dalles | $93,488 |
| 35 | Klamath Falls | $92,926 |
| 36 | Milwaukie | $92,707 |
More Oregon Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore mechanical engineer hourly pay in Oregon cities.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced mechanical engineers.
Explore More Mechanical Engineer Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do mechanical engineers make in Oregon in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for mechanical engineers in Oregon?
How does Oregon mechanical engineer pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level mechanical engineer salary in Oregon?
How many mechanical engineers are employed in Oregon?
Which Oregon city offers the best value for mechanical engineers?
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
Statewide salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.92% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 mechanical engineer compensation across Oregon. State averages are employment-weighted across 36 metro areas — larger metro areas with more mechanical engineerscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.92%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for mechanical engineers (SOC 17-2141).
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov