McMinnville vs Salem: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between McMinnville, OR and Salem, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | McMinnville, OR | Salem, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $127,474 | $129,842▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $61.29 | $62.43▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,252 | $85,511▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $98,528 | $99,224▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $157,540▲ | $151,650 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $185,303▲ | $168,804 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 140▲ |
Verdict
Salem, OR offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to McMinnville.
The salary gap between McMinnville and Salem is $2,368 (1.86%). Salem's median is +3.85% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in McMinnville spans $102,051,Salem spans $83,293. McMinnville 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, Salem ($125,271 effective) pays 0.83% more than McMinnville ($124,244 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose McMinnville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($185,303)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($129,842/year)
- ✓Larger job market (140 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $125,271)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in McMinnville grew 2.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 28.5% growth in Salem over the same period.
McMinnville, OR
$120,024 (2024) → $122,985 (2025)
Salem, OR
$97,520 (2019) → $125,270 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
McMinnville, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: McMinnville or Salem?
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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