Portland vs Beaverton: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Portland, OR and Beaverton, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Portland, OR | Beaverton, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $132,755▲ | $127,821 |
| Hourly Rate | $63.83▲ | $61.45 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,325▲ | $77,309 |
| 25th Percentile | $105,723▲ | $94,554 |
| 75th Percentile | $149,297 | $160,442▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $170,732 | $198,123▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,320▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Portland, OR offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Beaverton.
The salary gap between Portland and Beaverton is $4,934 (3.86%). 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 Portland spans $83,407,Beaverton spans $120,814. Beaverton 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, Portland ($125,928 effective) pays 1.08% more than Beaverton ($124,582 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Beaverton if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($198,123)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Portland grew 38.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 2.5% growth in Beaverton over the same period.
Portland, OR
$92,530 (2019) → $128,080 (2025)
Beaverton, OR
$120,351 (2024) → $123,320 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Portland, OR
Beaverton, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Portland or Beaverton?
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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