Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay in Portland, OR: $51.96 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a mechanical engineer working in Portland, OR runs $51.96 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $108,087 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Weighted against Portland's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.4, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $49.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $64,851 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Portland, Oregon, mechanical engineers earn a median hourly rate of $51.96, slightly above the national hourly median of $51.51. This hourly compensation provides a solid foundation for professionals considering part-time opportunities or per-diem work within the thriving sectors of technology, aerospace, and automotive engineering. Many engineers in these areas work in diverse environments, from tech offices filled with advanced CAD systems like SolidWorks and CATIA to hands-on roles on manufacturing floors and aerospace test ranges. For entry-level positions, the hourly pay can start as low as $38.70, while seasoned professionals can earn up to $81.67 per hour, reflecting a substantial variation based on experience, specialization, and employer type. These figures are derived from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics data, affirming their status as a reliable reference for job seekers.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.70 | $309.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.32 | $378.58 |
| Median (P50) | $51.96 | $415.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64.66 | $517.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81.67 | $653.34 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Portland
Based on $51.96/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.96/hr, a mechanical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Portland, OR can expect to earn approximately $108,086 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $62,357. With a cost-of-living index of 105.42 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Portland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Portland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,078.57 | $9,007 | $108,086 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,247.14 | $5,404 | $64,851 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $831.43 | $3,603 | $43,234 |
Compare ME, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer (Portland) | $51.96 |
| Civil Engineer (National Avg) | $47.06 |
| Electrical Engineer (National Avg) | $54.18 |
| Industrial Engineer (National Avg) | $47.50 |
| Aerospace Engineer (National Avg) | $63.06 |
Mechanical Engineers in Portland, OR earn a median of $108,087 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.87% higher than the national median of $107,150 and 7.20% above the Oregon state average of $100,827.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $51.96/hr = $64,851/year (purchasing power: $61,517).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $108,086/year (purchasing power: $102,528).
CoL index: 105.421 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$43.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$50.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$51.96/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+23.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Portland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.83/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $49.28/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $49.53/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $50.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51.96/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Portland grew 16.6% from $43.30/hr (2019) to $50.49/hr (2025). At a 2.92% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $53.48/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem mechanical engineers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Portland metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.92% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Mechanical Engineer in Portland
Understanding the earning potential in part-time arrangements is crucial for mechanical engineers in Portland. A 3-day work week, totalling around 24 hours, could yield over $60,000 annually, showcasing the financial viability of part-time roles in this field. For those opting for per-diem work, the pay can significantly increase; freelance rates often land between $90 and $160 per hour, with specialized fields such as HVAC or aerospace engineering commanding $100-$220 per hour, particularly for positions requiring security clearance. Employers like Tesla, Boeing, and various engineering consultancy firms create a competitive environment where hourly rates can vary greatly, influencing job choice and satisfaction. While some engineers may accept lower hourly pay to secure comprehensive benefits, others prefer the higher rates available without such perks. Navigating these decisions requires careful consideration of individual financial goals and lifestyle preferences, particularly in a dynamic job market like Portland's.
More salary data for Portland, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Portland in 2026?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.92% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for mechanical engineers in Portland. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.92%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for mechanical engineers (SOC 17-2141).
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov