Civil Engineer Jobs in Portland, ME

Portland, Maine$91,800 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: March 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

Civil Engineer Salary in Portland

Entry Level
$59,670
Median
$91,800
Senior Level
$130,410

Civil Engineer salaries in Portland are in line with national averages, offering competitive compensation for the region.

Purchasing power in Portland is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

AutoCADStructural AnalysisProject ManagementConstructionRegulations

Civil Engineer Job Market in Portland

Portland, ME is a specialized market with unique career opportunities for Civil Engineer professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, Portland offers focused opportunities and often better work-life balance. While Healthcare leads the local economy, there's growing demand for Civil Engineer roles across various sectors. The market for Civil Engineer positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Civil Engineers in Portland

Local governmentRegional employersNational companies

Major employers hiring Civil Engineers in Portland include Local government, Regional employers, National companies. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Civil Engineers in Portland

Living in Portland as a Civil Engineer means navigating a cost of living that's slightly above the national average. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. At median Civil Engineer salary, housing is quite affordable at 24% of gross income, leaving room for savings and lifestyle spending. Suburban apartments average $1,400/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

108
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.8K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 4
Market Size

Commuting as a Civil Engineer in Portland

Portland Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute time is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services. Consider living close to your workplace. Since transit options are limited, consider living close to your workplace or negotiating flexible hours to avoid peak traffic.

Best neighborhoods for Civil Engineers in Portland: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Civil Engineer professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in Maine

Maine has relatively high state income taxes. A Civil Engineer earning $91,800 might pay approximately $7,344 in state income tax. However, Maine's strong job market and quality of life often offset the higher tax burden.

Career Outlook for Civil Engineers

The job outlook for Civil Engineers in Portland is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. While the market is smaller, Portland offers opportunities for those seeking specialized roles or better work-life balance. In-demand skills include AutoCAD, Structural Analysis, Project Management, Construction.

Relocating to Portland

Maine has higher state income taxes. Factor this into salary negotiations, as gross salary comparisons can be misleading.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Civil Engineer salary in Portland, ME?

The average Civil Engineer salary in Portland, ME is $91,800 per year. Entry-level Civil Engineers typically start around $59,670, while experienced professionals can earn $130,410 or more. The national average for Civil Engineer roles is $85,000.

How many Civil Engineer jobs are available in Portland?

Portland has a growing job market with steady opportunities for Civil Engineer professionals. Major employers hiring Civil Engineers include Local government, Regional employers, National companies. The Healthcare and Tourism sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Portland a good city for Civil Engineers?

Portland is an solid choice for Civil Engineers. While not as large as coastal metros, it offers solid opportunities and often better work-life balance. The cost of living is reasonable compared to major coastal cities. The city's healthcare industry creates strong demand for engineering professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Civil Engineers in Portland?

Top skills for Civil Engineers in Portland include AutoCAD, Structural Analysis, Project Management, Construction, Regulations. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Civil Engineers in Portland?

Portland's cost of living is near the national average (108% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Purchasing power in Portland is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Civil Engineers in Portland?

Portland Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services.

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