Bend vs Lake Oswego: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Bend, OR and Lake Oswego, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bend, OR | Lake Oswego, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $131,729▲ | $125,868 |
| Hourly Rate | $63.33▲ | $60.51 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,460▲ | $79,530 |
| 25th Percentile | $111,558▲ | $95,311 |
| 75th Percentile | $150,293 | $156,353▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $166,566 | $184,278▲ |
| Total Employed | 110▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Bend, OR offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lake Oswego.
The salary gap between Bend and Lake Oswego is $5,861 (4.66%). 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,Lake Oswego spans $104,748. Lake Oswego 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 3.64% more than Lake Oswego ($122,678 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 Lake Oswego if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($184,278)
- ✓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 Lake Oswego over the same period.
Bend, OR
$76,890 (2019) → $127,090 (2025)
Lake Oswego, OR
$118,512 (2024) → $121,436 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lake Oswego, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Bend or Lake Oswego?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bend and Lake Oswego?
Should I relocate from Bend to Lake Oswego as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Bend vs Lake Oswego?
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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