Average Environmental Engineers Salary in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Environmental Engineers in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA metropolitan area command an impressive average annual salary of $128,350. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $113,240, indicating a strong demand and potentially higher value placed on these professionals within the region. Factors such as the area's specific industry needs and environmental regulations likely contribute to this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $128,350 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $187,170.
- Outlook: The local job market for Environmental Engineers in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro appears robust, with a total workforce of 470 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.58 suggests a concentration of these roles that is 58% higher than the national average, signaling a healthy demand and a potentially favorable environment for job seekers and career growth in this specialized field.
Salary Overview
The average Environmental Engineers in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA earns+13.3%above the national average.
$61.7
$2,468
$10,696
Environmental Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Environmental Engineers in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Increased environmental awareness, stricter regulations, and a growing focus on sustainability initiatives likely contribute to a steady upward trajectory in compensation for these vital professionals.
Environmental Engineers Salary Distribution in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Salary progression for Environmental Engineers in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions will naturally fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior engineers with extensive expertise and project management capabilities can command salaries well into the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior salaries reflects the substantial career growth and increased responsibility associated with advancing in this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $94,880 | $45.6 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $96,263 | $46.3 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $122,290 | $58.8 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $160,438 | $77.1 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $187,170 | $90 |
Detailed Environmental Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$128,350
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$128,350
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $128,350 for Environmental Engineers in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the higher earnings in this region are likely offset by comparable living expenses, suggesting that the purchasing power of an Environmental Engineer's salary in Portland is on par with the national average.
Job Market Context
470
Total Jobs
0.388
Per 1K Jobs
1.58
Location Quotient
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA has 1.6x the national concentration of Environmental Engineers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 1.58, the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro area exhibits a notable concentration of Environmental Engineering roles compared to the national average. This suggests a competitive yet potentially abundant job market, where employers may actively seek specialized talent, and professionals have a good opportunity to find relevant employment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Environmental Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Salem, OR Environmental Engineers Salary | $136,040↑ 6% | 44 mi |
| Corvallis, OR Environmental Engineers Salary | $130,770↑ 2% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Hiring Environmental Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Environmental Engineers make in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
The median annual salary for a Environmental Engineers in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is $128,350. This typically ranges from $94,880 for entry-level positions to $187,170 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is 13.3% higher than the national median of $113,240.
Is Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA a lucrative place for Environmental Engineers?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Environmental Engineers.Environmental Engineers in this region earn significantly above the national average salary, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, making it financially advantageous.
Is Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA a good place to live for Environmental Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Salem, OR ($136,040) and Corvallis, OR.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
Environmental Engineers in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro earn an average of $128,350 annually, which is approximately $15,110 higher than the national average of $113,240.
What is the concentration of Environmental Engineers in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro?
The Location Quotient of 1.58 indicates that Environmental Engineers are 58% more concentrated in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro area than the national average, suggesting strong local demand.
How does the cost of living affect the salary?
The Cost of Living Index in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro is 100, which is the national average. This means the higher salary of $128,350 offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What does the job market size indicate?
With a local workforce of 470 Environmental Engineers and 0.388 jobs per 1,000 workers, the market is substantial enough to support a specialized career path with good opportunities.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 470 employees in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA area with a job density of 0.388 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Environmental Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA