Bend vs Coos Bay: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Bend, OR and Coos Bay, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bend, OR | Coos Bay, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $131,729▲ | $121,636 |
| Hourly Rate | $63.33▲ | $58.48 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,460▲ | $78,728 |
| 25th Percentile | $111,558▲ | $97,924 |
| 75th Percentile | $150,293 | $152,839▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $166,566 | $179,196▲ |
| Total Employed | 110▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Bend, OR offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Coos Bay.
The salary gap between Bend and Coos Bay is $10,093 (8.30%). Bend's median is +5.36% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bend spans $79,106,Coos Bay spans $100,468. Coos Bay has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced electrical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bend ($127,143 effective) pays 7.25% more than Coos Bay ($118,554 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bend if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($131,729/year)
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $127,143)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Coos Bay if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($179,196)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Bend grew 65.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 2.5% growth in Coos Bay over the same period.
Bend, OR
$76,890 (2019) → $127,090 (2025)
Coos Bay, OR
$114,528 (2024) → $117,353 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Coos Bay, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Bend or Coos Bay?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bend and Coos Bay?
Should I relocate from Bend to Coos Bay as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Bend vs Coos Bay?
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Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov