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Federal Government Employee Salary in Portland, OR β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Portland's cost of living (index: 123). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Federal Government Employee Salary in Portland β€” Key Numbers

$119,310
Median Salary
$78,720
25th Percentile
$166,050
75th Percentile
$215,250
90th Percentile
National median (Federal Government Employee)$97,000
vs. National median+23.0%
Portland median household income$81,200
vs. City household income+46.9%

Cost of Living in Portland

Cost of Living Index
123(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,395/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio14.0%
Annual rent cost$16,740
Median Home Price$490,000
Home Price / Salary4.1Γ—
20% Down Payment$98,000
Years to save (20% rate)4.1 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Portland

4.2%
Unemployment Rate
2,520,000
Metro Population
26 min
Avg Commute
37
Median Age

Portland has a metro population of 2,520,000, offering a large, diverse job market with many employers across all industries. The 4.2% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Federal Government Employee Salary β€” Other Oregon Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Federal Government Employee make in Portland, OR?

The estimated median salary for a Federal Government Employee in Portland is $119,310 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $97,000 adjusted by Portland's cost of living index (123). The typical salary range runs from $78,720 (25th percentile) to $166,050 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $215,250.

Is Portland affordable for a Federal Government Employee?

On a $119,310 annual salary, a Federal Government Employee in Portland would spend approximately 14.0% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,395/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Portland relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $490,000 is 4.1Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Federal Government Employee's salary compare to Portland's overall income?

Portland's median household income is $81,200. A Federal Government Employee earning the city-adjusted median of $119,310 earns 46.9% more than the typical Portland household β€” placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.