Civil Engineers Salary in Portland, OR-WA
BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
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In Portland, OR-WA, civil engineers typically earn a median annual salary of $104,360, which translates to approximately $50.17 per hour. This figure is notably higher than the national median for civil engineers at $99,590 and surpasses the area's median household income of $94,573. The discrepancy highlights that civil engineers in this region tend to earn more compared to the average household, emphasizing their valuable role within the local economy. With a relatively low local unemployment rate of 4.00%, civil engineering remains a robust profession with stable demand.
Entry-level civil engineers in Portland, OR-WA generally earn around $75,450 annually, which is the salary at the 10th percentile. In contrast, experienced professionals can see earnings reaching up to $131,480 at the 75th percentile, and some of the top earners might make as much as $157,700 annually at the 90th percentile. This significant range in salaries between entry-level and experienced workers is primarily driven by factors such as years of experience, advanced education, specialized skills, and the complexity or size of projects managed. Additionally, those who progress to senior roles often take on increased responsibilities that justify higher compensation levels within the field.
Salary percentile breakdown
Portland economic context
Frequently asked questions
How much do Civil Engineers make per hour in Portland?
The median hourly wage for Civil Engineers in Portland, OR-WA is $50.17, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $79.84 or more per hour.
Is Portland above or below average for Civil Engineers salaries?
The median Civil Engineers salary in Portland, OR-WA is 4.8% above the national median of $99,590. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.
What is the entry-level salary for Civil Engineers in Portland?
Entry-level Civil Engineers (10th percentile) earn around $75,450 per year in Portland, OR-WA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $83,440.