Mechanical Engineer Salary in Milwaukie, OR: $92,707 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time mechanical engineer in Milwaukie, OR earns a median $92,707/year (≈ $44.57/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Once you factor in Milwaukie's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.6), that paycheck buys what $90,358 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.1% below the Oregon state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for mechanical engineers in Milwaukie, Oregon, rests at $92,707, which trails the national average of $107,150 by approximately 13.48%. The salary range indicates a broad spectrum of pay, with entry-level engineers earning about $70,780 (P10) and top earners reaching up to $138,906 (P90). These figures derive from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and are adjusted for regional cost variations, reflecting the unique economic landscape of Milwaukie. A significant factor contributing to these earnings is the presence of notable industries in the area, such as aerospace with companies like SpaceX and Boeing, contrasted with automotive advancements from Tesla. The dynamics of these sectors influence the local job market for mechanical engineers, creating varied compensation opportunities depending on specialization.
About the Milwaukie Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,780 | $34.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $77,127 | $37.08 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $92,707 | $44.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $115,907 | $55.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $138,906 | $66.78 |
Median Salary Position
13.48% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Milwaukie
In Milwaukie, OR, the mechanical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $68,126 (2026 est.). At $92,707, the local median is 13.48% below the national median of $107,150.
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At 40 hours/week in Milwaukie: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Milwaukie Mechanical Engineer Pay Compares
Milwaukie median: $92,707/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Milwaukie Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Average | $100,878 | -8.10% less |
| National Average | $107,150 | -13.48% less |
Mechanical Engineers in Milwaukie, OR earn a median of $92,707 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.48% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 8.10% below the Oregon state average of $100,878.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Milwaukie has a cost of living 2.60% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Milwaukie, OR has a cost-of-living index of 102.6 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $92,707 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $90,358 — a 2.53% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$76,511
2025 BLS Actual
$90,077
2026 Current Est.
$92,707
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Milwaukie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $76,511 | Actual |
| 2020 | $78,007 | Actual |
| 2021 | $82,455 | Actual |
| 2022 | $83,328 | Actual |
| 2023 | $86,097 | Actual |
| 2024 | $101,839 | Actual |
| 2025 | $90,077 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $92,707 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $95,414 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Milwaukie metropolitan area, the median mechanical engineer salary grew 17.7% from $76,511 (2019) to $90,077 (2025). At a 2.92% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $95,414 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,903 (24.71%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Milwaukie 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $70,780 – $77,127 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $77,127 – $92,707 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $92,707 – $115,907 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $115,907 – $138,906 |
ME, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual mechanical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Mechanical Engineer Job Market in Milwaukie
The local job market for mechanical engineers in Milwaukie employs just six professionals, indicating a relatively small pool of opportunities. The cost of living index, set at 102.6, emphasizes the importance of evaluating take-home pay against living expenses. Salaries from industry leaders such as Tesla and Boeing can substantially elevate overall compensation, particularly for roles requiring specialized skills or security clearances. Pay disparities often arise from the type of engineering work; aerospace and defense sectors tend to offer higher compensation due to the demands for specific expertise and PE licensure, while firms focused on HVAC and building systems provide steady employment with clearer pathways for professional certification. For those aiming to enhance their earning potential in Milwaukie, pursuing positions within defense contractors or engaging with high-growth tech firms will be vital strategies.
More salary data for Milwaukie, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can mechanical engineers make $100K in Milwaukie?
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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
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. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $90,077 for mechanical engineersin the Milwaukie metropolitan area. A 2.92% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Milwaukie is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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