Gresham vs Salem: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Gresham, OR and Salem, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gresham, OR | Salem, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,213▲ | $100,872 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.62▲ | $48.50 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,250 | $75,893▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $80,636 | $82,099▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $130,349▲ | $121,127 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $159,981▲ | $143,059 |
| Total Employed | 21 | 150▲ |
Verdict
Gresham, OR offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Salem.
The salary gap between Gresham and Salem is $2,341 (2.32%). Gresham's median is -3.67% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gresham spans $89,731,Salem spans $67,166. Gresham 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, Gresham ($100,597 effective) pays 3.37% more than Salem ($97,321 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Gresham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,213/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($159,981)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $100,597)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Gresham grew -11.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 36.2% growth in Salem over the same period.
Gresham, OR
$113,380 (2024) → $100,285 (2025)
Salem, OR
$71,940 (2019) → $98,010 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gresham, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Amina Patel, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering. She specializes in thermal analysis and works in the automotive industry.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.92% 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, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov