Are you considering a career in civil engineering in Oregon, or looking to benchmark your current compensation?
We have conducted a comprehensive analysis of 312 civil engineering positions across Oregon to provide insights into the civil engineer salary and civil engineering compensation landscape. This article details Civil Engineer Salary in Oregon for 2025, exploring how much civil engineers make and the key factors that influence compensation as revealed by the data.
Average Civil Engineer Salary in Oregon
The median civil engineer salary in Oregon is $120,000 USD per year or $57.69 USD per hour. This figure provides substantial insight into civil engineering pay in the state and serves as a benchmark for engineering salaries across the Pacific Northwest.
Salary Range Overview
Factors Influencing Civil Engineer Salary
Education Level
The data reveals a compelling story about educational investment in civil engineering. While two-thirds of positions require only a bachelor’s degree, pursuing a master’s degree delivers a substantial 14% salary premium. This $16,636 annual difference adds up to over $330,000 in additional lifetime earnings, making advanced education a strategic financial decision for ambitious civil engineers.
What’s particularly noteworthy is that Oregon’s civil engineering market still values specialized expertise highly. The relatively small number of PhD positions (less than 2%) suggests these roles are likely research-focused or highly specialized consulting positions, often with universities or cutting-edge infrastructure firms.
For those considering a civil engineering degree, it’s important to note that the investment in education can significantly impact your future earning potential. The ASCE salary calculator and ASCE salary report are valuable tools for understanding how your education level can affect your civil engineering compensation.
Years of Experience
The experience progression tells a fascinating story about civil engineering career development in Oregon. There’s a dramatic 30% salary jump between year 1 and year 2, suggesting that the transition from new graduate to competent practitioner is highly valued by employers. This pattern reflects the reality that civil engineering requires hands-on learning, and classroom knowledge becomes truly valuable when combined with relevant work experience.
| Years of Experience | Percentage of Jobs | Number of Positions |
|---|---|---|
| 0 years | 11.27% | 24 |
| 1 year | 2.35% | 5 |
| 2 years | 13.15% | 28 |
| 3 years | 10.33% | 22 |
| 4 years | 11.27% | 24 |
| 5 years | 24.88% | 53 |
| 6 years | 4.23% | 9 |
| 8 years | 9.39% | 20 |
The sweet spot appears to be around 5-7 years of experience, where civil engineers see their most significant salary acceleration. This aligns with the timeline for achieving Professional Engineer (P.E.) licensure, which typically requires four years of experience under a licensed engineer’s supervision.
Seniority Level
The progression from entry-level to managerial positions represents a 79% increase in compensation, highlighting the substantial value of leadership capabilities in the civil engineering field. Interestingly, senior technical roles (Senior, Lead) command similar salaries to management positions, suggesting Oregon’s engineering market recognizes both technical expertise and leadership skills.
But what if you’re already at the median and wondering about your next move? The data shows that the jump to senior-level positions is where the real financial transformation happens. It’s not just about years of service, but about demonstrating the ability to lead complex projects and mentor junior engineers and civil engineering technicians.
Remote Work
| Work Status | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Number of Positions |
|---|---|---|
| Hybrid | $137,580 | 113 |
| Onsite | $110,778 | 193 |
| Remote | $109,580 | 4 |
Here’s a surprising insight: hybrid positions command the highest salaries in Oregon’s civil engineering market. This 24% premium over onsite positions suggests that companies offering flexible work arrangements are competing aggressively for top talent. The hybrid model appears to be the sweet spot, allowing for essential site visits and project collaboration while providing the flexibility that today’s engineers value.
The limited number of fully remote positions (only 4 in our dataset) reflects the hands-on nature of civil engineering work. However, the fact that these positions exist at competitive salary levels indicates that certain specialized roles, perhaps in design, project management, or consulting, can be performed effectively from remote locations.
Location
| City | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Average Hourly Rate (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Tualatin | $143,088 | $68.79 |
| Portland | $134,911 | $64.86 |
| Corvallis | $132,633 | $63.76 |
| Salem | $132,566 | $63.73 |
| Beaverton | $118,570 | $57.01 |
| Prineville | $116,250 | $55.89 |
| Eugene | $114,243 | $54.92 |
| Lake Oswego | $113,307 | $54.47 |
| Bend | $112,760 | $54.21 |
| Clackamas | $112,750 | $54.21 |
Topping the list is Hillsboro, with Oregon City and Portland close behind in second and third. Portland beats the Oregon average by 0.3%, and Hillsboro furthers that trend with another 2628 (3.0%) above the $87,410 in some salary surveys, though our comprehensive analysis shows Tualatin leading the pack.
Tualatin’s position at the top makes perfect sense when you consider its location in the heart of Oregon’s tech corridor, combined with major infrastructure projects serving the Portland metropolitan area. The city’s proximity to both Nike’s world headquarters and numerous tech companies creates a unique demand for civil engineers who can handle both traditional infrastructure and modern, sustainable development projects.
Portland’s strong showing reflects its status as Oregon’s economic hub and the epicenter of the state’s ambitious infrastructure renewal projects. Oregon’s infrastructure receives a ‘C-‘ grade, meaning it’s in fair condition and requires attention. Oregon’s grade matches the national average of ‘C-‘ on the 2021 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure, creating substantial demand for civil engineering expertise.
Top Paying Companies in Oregon
Based on our analysis of civil engineer salaries across Oregon, here are the companies that consistently offer above-average compensation for civil engineering professionals:
| Company | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Average Hourly Rate (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| COWI | $176,000 | $84.62 |
| Brown and Caldwell | $173,000 | $83.17 |
| Arcadis | $165,345 | $79.50 |
| CMTS | $165,000 | $79.33 |
| STV | $156,921 | $75.44 |
| Kleinschmidt Associates | $155,000 | $74.52 |
| AECOM | $152,344 | $73.24 |
| CONSOR Engineers | $145,500 | $69.95 |
| DKS Associates | $145,450 | $69.93 |
| Maul Foster & Alongi | $145,000 | $69.71 |
| Kennedy Jenks | $144,750 | $69.59 |
| Portland General Electric | $143,088 | $68.79 |
| Jacobs | $142,887 | $68.69 |
| HDR | $142,152 | $68.34 |
| Kimley-Horn | $141,250 | $67.91 |
These organizations span diverse industry sectors including environmental consulting, utilities, transportation infrastructure, and nonresidential building construction. The premium salaries reflect both the complexity of Oregon’s infrastructure challenges and the competition for experienced civil engineers.
COWI and Brown and Caldwell leading the compensation charts makes strategic sense, as both firms specialize in complex environmental and infrastructure projects that align perfectly with Oregon’s sustainability focus and infrastructure renewal needs. Federal funding through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has provided some relief, but workforce shortages hinder effective utilization. Seismic resilience remains a critical concern, especially in the Willamette Valley, creating premium demand for specialized expertise.
How to Maximize Your Civil Engineer Salary Potential
Based on our comprehensive data analysis, we recommend the following strategies to optimize your civil engineering salary in Oregon:
- Target the 2-3 Year Experience Mark – This is where the most significant salary acceleration occurs
- Pursue Advanced Education Strategically – A master’s degree can add $16,636 annually to your earning potential
- Obtain Professional Certifications – P.E. designation and specialized certifications are crucial for career advancement
Technical Competencies:
- CAD software (AutoCAD Civil 3D, MicroStation, Civil 3D)
- Environmental impact assessment and sustainability design
- Seismic design and resilience planning (critical in Oregon)
Explore our article detailing the most required Civil Engineering Skills in 2025
The data presented in this article were compiled through an analysis of 312 civil engineering positions across Oregon. Salaries, required education levels, experience expectations, seniority titles, and locations were extracted and analysed to identify trends and calculate average and median figures. The data analysis provides the most up-to-date information on how much civil engineers make in Oregon.
Conclusion
The civil engineering profession offers strong earning potential across Oregon, with the median civil engineer salary reaching $120,000 USD annually, significantly above the national average. While education provides a foundation, experience and specialization significantly influence salary levels. Location choices and work arrangement preferences have equally important impacts on total compensation.
For civil engineers looking to maximize their earning potential in Oregon, a strategic approach combining technical skill development, professional certification, and leadership capabilities is essential. Understanding salary trends and market dynamics will help you negotiate competitive compensation packages and advance your career effectively.
Oregon’s unique combination of infrastructure challenges, from seismic resilience to sustainable development, creates exceptional opportunities for civil engineers who position themselves at the intersection of technical expertise and environmental stewardship.
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