Grants Pass vs Portland: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Grants Pass, OR and Portland, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Grants Pass, OR | Portland, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $124,161 | $132,755▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $59.69 | $63.83▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,758 | $87,325▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $99,537 | $105,723▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $156,979▲ | $149,297 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $185,826▲ | $170,732 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 2,320▲ |
Verdict
Portland, OR offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Grants Pass.
The salary gap between Grants Pass and Portland is $8,594 (6.92%). Portland's median is +6.18% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Grants Pass spans $100,068,Portland spans $83,407. Grants Pass has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Portland ($125,928 effective) pays 4.06% more than Grants Pass ($121,015 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Grants Pass if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($185,826)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($132,755/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,320 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $125,928)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Grants Pass grew 2.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 38.4% growth in Portland over the same period.
Grants Pass, OR
$116,905 (2024) → $119,789 (2025)
Portland, OR
$92,530 (2019) → $128,080 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grants Pass, OR
Portland, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Grants Pass or Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Grants Pass and Portland?
Should I relocate from Grants Pass to Portland as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Grants Pass vs Portland?
Related Comparisons
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