Chemical Engineer Salary in Portland
2026 compensation data for Chemical Engineer positions in Portland, OR. Ranges from $78,000 (entry-level) to $194,000 (senior). Median: $119,000.
Median (Mid)
$119,000
$57.21/hr
vs National
+0%
US: $119,000
COL Index
130
vs US avg = 100
Senior Max
$194,000
Top of band
Salary Ranges by Experience Level
Detailed Compensation Breakdown
| Level | Annual Min | Annual Median | Annual Max | Hourly (Median) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | $78,000 | $89,000 | $103,000 | $42.79/hr |
| Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | $99,000 | $119,000 | $140,000 | $57.21/hr |
| Senior (6+ yrs) | $135,000 | $162,000 | $194,000 | $77.88/hr |
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Practice negotiating this salaryWhat Your Salary Is Really Worth in Portland
A mid-level chemical engineer earning $119,000 in Portland has the same buying power as $92,000 in an average US city, after adjusting for the local cost of living (COL index 130).
Cost of living comparisons use a base of 100 (US national average). Higher index = higher housing, transport, and consumer prices.
About Chemical Engineer Salaries in Portland
Design processes for chemicals, pharmaceuticals, fuels, and materials at industrial scale. This page covers chemical engineer compensation specifically in Portland, OR.
The median chemical engineer salary in Portland, OR is $119,000 for mid-level professionals, which is 0% above the national median. With a cost of living index of 130 (national average = 100), Portland offers a moderate cost of living with competitive salaries.
Entry-level chemical engineers in Portland can expect to earn between $78,000 and $103,000 (about $42.79/hour), while senior professionals with 6+ years of experience earn up to $194,000 ($194K annually, or about $93.27/hour).
These figures represent base salary only and do not include bonuses, equity, or benefits, which can add 20–50% to total compensation — especially at technology companies and in competitive markets like Portland.
Frequently Asked Questions: Chemical Engineer Salary in Portland
What is the average Chemical Engineer salary in Portland?+
The average Chemical Engineer salary in Portland is $119,000 for a mid-level professional (3–5 years of experience). Entry-level pay starts around $89,000 and senior-level pay reaches $162,000.
How much does an entry-level chemical engineer make in Portland?+
Entry-level chemical engineers in Portland earn between $78,000 and $103,000, with a median of $89,000 per year (about $42.79/hour).
What is the hourly rate for a Chemical Engineer in Portland?+
Based on a 2,080-hour work year, a Chemical Engineer in Portland earns roughly $42.79/hour at entry-level, $57.21/hour at mid-level, and $77.88/hour at senior-level.
Is the Chemical Engineer salary in Portland higher than the US average?+
Yes — Chemical Engineer salaries in Portland are about 0% higher than the US national median of $119,000.
Does this include bonuses or equity?+
No — these figures are base salary only. Total compensation (base + bonus + equity + benefits) is typically 20–50% higher, and can be 2–3x at top technology and finance employers.
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