Portland vs Medford: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Portland, OR and Medford, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Portland, OR | Medford, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $108,087▲ | $96,776 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.96▲ | $46.53 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,494▲ | $77,231 |
| 25th Percentile | $98,422▲ | $80,730 |
| 75th Percentile | $134,496▲ | $116,156 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $169,859▲ | $155,677 |
| Total Employed | 2,520▲ | 60 |
Verdict
Portland, OR offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Medford.
The salary gap between Portland and Medford is $11,311 (11.69%). Portland's median is +0.87% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Portland spans $89,365,Medford spans $78,446. Portland 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 ($102,529 effective) pays 7.46% more than Medford ($95,409 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 ($108,087/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($169,859)
- ✓Larger job market (2,520 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,529)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Medford if…
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Portland grew 16.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.7% growth in Medford over the same period.
Portland, OR
$90,060 (2019) → $105,020 (2025)
Medford, OR
$77,280 (2019) → $94,030 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Portland, OR
Medford, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Portland or Medford?
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Should I relocate from Portland to Medford as a mechanical engineer?
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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