Average Mechanical Engineers Salary in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Mechanical Engineers in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA metropolitan area earn an impressive average annual salary of $110,260. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $109,640, indicating a robust demand and competitive compensation landscape within this specific region. The local economic drivers and industry concentration contribute to this favorable pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $110,260 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $144,970.
- Outlook: The Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro area boasts a significant local workforce of 2,650 Mechanical Engineers, with a Location Quotient of 1.17, suggesting a higher concentration of these professionals than the national average. This elevated presence, coupled with 2.185 jobs per 1,000 workers, points to a healthy and active job market with sustained demand for mechanical engineering talent.
Salary Overview
The average Mechanical Engineers in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA earns+0.6%above the national average.
$53
$2,120
$9,188
Mechanical Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Mechanical Engineers in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro area have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increasing demand for specialized engineering skills, and regional economic development likely contribute to an upward trajectory in compensation.
Mechanical Engineers Salary Distribution in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Salary progression for Mechanical Engineers in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro is strongly tied to experience. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while senior engineers with extensive expertise and specialized skills can expect significantly higher compensation. The widening gap between the 25th and 75th percentile salaries clearly illustrates the substantial earning potential and career advancement opportunities available as professionals gain experience.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $76,600 | $36.8 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $82,695 | $39.8 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $103,010 | $49.5 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $137,825 | $66.3 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $144,970 | $69.7 |
Detailed Mechanical Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$110,260
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$110,260
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $110,260 in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Mechanical Engineer's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing without significant cost-of-living adjustments.
Job Market Context
2,650
Total Jobs
2.185
Per 1K Jobs
1.17
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.17, Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Mechanical Engineers roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.17, the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro area exhibits a notable concentration of Mechanical Engineers compared to the national average. This suggests a specialized and potentially competitive market where employers actively seek out skilled professionals, while engineers may find a good number of relevant opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Mechanical Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Salem, OR Mechanical Engineers Salary | $109,160↓ 1% | 44 mi |
| Longview-Kelso, WA Mechanical Engineers Salary | $103,190↓ 6% | 46 mi |
| Albany, OR Mechanical Engineers Salary | $100,650↓ 9% | 65 mi |
| Corvallis, OR Mechanical Engineers Salary | $106,000↓ 4% | 72 mi |
| Coast Oregon nonmetropolitan area Mechanical Engineers Salary | $96,880↓ 12% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Hiring Mechanical Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Mechanical Engineers make in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
The median annual salary for a Mechanical Engineers in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is $110,260. This typically ranges from $76,600 for entry-level positions to $144,970 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 0.6% higher than the national median of $109,640.
Is Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA a lucrative place for Mechanical Engineers?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Mechanical Engineers.The average salary of $110,260 slightly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating strong earning potential.
Is Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA a good place to live for Mechanical 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 ($109,160) and Longview-Kelso, WA.
How does the Mechanical Engineer salary in Portland compare to the national average?
The average salary for Mechanical Engineers in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is $110,260, which is slightly higher than the national average of $109,640.
What is the concentration of Mechanical Engineers in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 1.17, indicating that Mechanical Engineers are more prevalent in this region than the national average.
How does the Cost of Living affect the Mechanical Engineer salary in Portland?
The Cost of Living Index in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro is 100, which is the national average. This means the $110,260 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers signify for Mechanical Engineers in Portland?
With 2.185 jobs per 1,000 workers, there is a solid presence of Mechanical Engineering roles relative to the overall workforce, suggesting consistent employment opportunities.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,650 employees in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA area with a job density of 2.185 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Mechanical Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA