Tooling Engineer Jobs in Portland, ME

Portland, Maine$89,100 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: March 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

Tooling Engineer Salary in Portland

Entry Level
$59,670
Median
$89,100
Senior Level
$124,200

Tooling 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

Tool DesignCADManufacturing ProcessesProblem SolvingMaterials

Tooling Engineer Job Market in Portland

Portland, ME is a specialized market with unique career opportunities for Tooling 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 Tooling Engineer roles across various sectors. The market for Tooling Engineer positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Tooling Engineers in Portland

Local governmentRegional employersNational companies

Major employers hiring Tooling 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 Tooling Engineers in Portland

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

Tax Considerations in Maine

Maine has relatively high state income taxes. A Tooling Engineer earning $89,100 might pay approximately $7,128 in state income tax. However, Maine's strong job market and quality of life often offset the higher tax burden.

Career Outlook for Tooling Engineers

The job outlook for Tooling 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 Tool Design, CAD, Manufacturing Processes, Problem Solving.

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 Tooling Engineer salary in Portland, ME?

The average Tooling Engineer salary in Portland, ME is $89,100 per year. Entry-level Tooling Engineers typically start around $59,670, while experienced professionals can earn $124,200 or more. The national average for Tooling Engineer roles is $82,500.

How many Tooling Engineer jobs are available in Portland?

Portland has a growing job market with steady opportunities for Tooling Engineer professionals. Major employers hiring Tooling 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 Tooling Engineers?

Portland is an solid choice for Tooling 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 manufacturing professionals.

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

Top skills for Tooling Engineers in Portland include Tool Design, CAD, Manufacturing Processes, Problem Solving, Materials. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Tooling 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 Tooling 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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