Project Manager in Beaverton, OR

The Salary Picture: Where Beaverton Stands

As a local who's watched the Beaverton job market evolve from a sleepy suburb to a bona fide tech and healthcare hub, I can tell you that Project Managers here are in a strong position. The data backs it up. The median salary for a Project Manager in Beaverton is $103,285 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $49.66 per hour. This is noticeably higher than the national average for Project Managers, which sits at $101,280 per year. While the difference might seem modest on paper, in practice, it means you're earning a premium in a market with a cost of living index of 106.6 (where the U.S. average is 100).

The local job market is active, with approximately 193 Project Manager positions currently listed in the metro area. The 10-year job growth projection for the field is a solid 6%, indicating steady, long-term demand. This isn't a boom-or-bust market; it's a sustainable one, heavily influenced by the stable presence of Nike, Intel, and a growing healthcare sector.

To understand where your experience fits into this picture, here’s a typical salary breakdown for the region:

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Salary Range (Annual)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$75,000 - $90,000
Mid-Career	3-7 years	$95,000 - $120,000
Senior	8-15 years	$120,000 - $150,000
Expert/Principal	15+ years	$150,000 - $185,000+

Compared to other Oregon cities, Beaverton holds a unique position. Portland's core has higher top-end salaries for PMs in finance and tech but also a significantly higher cost of living. Salem (the state capital) offers more government-related PM roles but at a lower median salary. Eugene has a smaller, more niche market. Beaverton's advantage is its blend of high-paying corporate jobs (tech, apparel, healthcare) with a more manageable suburban cost structure than downtown Portland.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the median. If you have PMP certification and 5+ years of experience in software development or supply chain management, you can command a salary well above the $103,285 median, often in the $120,000+ range, especially at Intel or Nike.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Understanding the median salary is one thing; understanding your monthly cash flow is another. Let's break down the finances for a Project Manager earning the median salary of $103,285.

• Gross Monthly Income: $8,607
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$2,400 (This is an estimate; consult a tax professional. Oregon has a progressive state income tax.)
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$6,207

Now, let's layer in the cost of living. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Beaverton is $1,545 per month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Median Salary Earner):

• Net Income: ~$6,207
• Rent (1BR): -$1,545
• Remaining for Utilities, Groceries, Transport, Savings: ~$4,662

This leaves a healthy buffer. A typical utility package (electric, gas, water, internet) in Beaverton might run $250-$350. A grocery budget for one person could be $400-$600. Car insurance and gas (or a TriMet pass) could be $200-$300. This still leaves over $3,000 for savings, debt repayment, dining, and entertainment. The key here is that the $103,285 salary provides a comfortable lifestyle in Beaverton, allowing for savings and discretionary spending.

Can they afford to buy a home? This is the critical question for many. The median home price in Beaverton is currently around $550,000. A 20% down payment is $110,000. For a median-earning Project Manager, saving $110,000 is a significant, multi-year goal, but not impossible with disciplined budgeting. The monthly mortgage payment on a $440,000 loan (with a 6.5% interest rate) would be roughly $2,780, plus property taxes and insurance. This would be a stretch on the median salary alone, especially after taxes. However, with dual incomes, a promotion to a senior role, or a larger down payment, homeownership becomes very attainable. Many PMs in their late 30s and 40s who started their careers here do own homes, often in the suburbs like Bethany or Cedar Hills.

Where the Jobs Are: Beaverton's Major Employers

Beaverton's economy is anchored by a few key sectors: athletic apparel, semiconductors, healthcare, and retail. Project Managers are the connective tissue that keeps these giants moving.

1. Nike (World Headquarters): Located just off Highway 26 in the "Nike Campus," this is the city's largest employer. They hire PMs for product creation, supply chain, digital technology, and marketing campaigns. Hiring trends show a consistent need for PMs with experience in agile methodologies and global team coordination. Insider Tip: Getting a job at Nike is competitive. Tailor your resume to their "Consumer Direct Offense" strategy and emphasize cross-functional leadership.

2. Intel (Ronler Acres Campus): While the campus is technically in Hillsboro, it's a 10-minute drive from most of Beaverton. This is the heart of Oregon's semiconductor industry. They hire PMs for fab construction, technology development, and IT projects. Demand is high, especially for PMs with engineering or technical backgrounds. Insider Tip: Security clearances can be a plus for certain projects. The campus is vast; being open to a commute is a must.

3. Providence Health & Services (Beaverton & Tigard): The healthcare sector is a stable employer. Providence operates several clinics and facilities in the area. They hire PMs for IT implementations (EHR systems like Epic), facility expansions, and process improvement initiatives. The trend is toward digital health and patient experience projects.

4. Tektronix (a Danaher company): A historic Beaverton employer, now a leader in electronic test and measurement. They look for PMs with engineering or hardware/software development experience to manage product lifecycle and R&D projects. It's a more technical, engineering-focused environment.

5. The Columbia Sportswear Company: Based in nearby Portland but a major regional employer. They hire PMs for retail expansion, e-commerce initiatives, and supply chain projects. The culture is active and brand-focused.

6. Local Government (City of Beaverton & Washington County): Public sector roles offer stability. Projects can range from infrastructure (road improvements, parks) to IT modernization. The hiring process is slower but benefits are excellent. Check the official job boards for the City of Beaverton and Washington County.

Getting Licensed in OR

Unlike a licensed profession (like a nurse or engineer), there is no state-specific license required to practice as a Project Manager in Oregon. However, certifications are the de facto standard for career advancement and are often required by major employers.

The most recognized certification is the Project Management Professional (PMP) from the Project Management Institute (PMI). Here's the roadmap:

1. Prerequisites: You need either a four-year degree with 36 months of leading projects within the past 8 years, or a high school diploma with 60 months of leading projects.
2. Training: Complete 35 hours of project management education. Many online providers (like Coursera, Udemy, or PMI Authorized Training Partners) offer this for $300-$800.
3. Exam: The PMP exam is challenging. The exam fee is $405 for PMI members ($555 for non-members). Most professionals budget for 2-3 months of study.
4. Total Estimated Cost & Timeline: $700 - $1,500 and 3-6 months from start to finish.
5. Maintenance: The PMP requires 60 Professional Development Units (PDUs) every 3 years to maintain, which can be earned through webinars, courses, and work.

Oregon-Specific Note: For public sector or construction projects, some employers may value the Construction Management Professional (CMP) certification from the Oregon State Board of Examiners for Engineering and Land Surveying, but this is a niche requirement. For most corporate PM roles in Beaverton, the PMP is the gold standard.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Choosing where to live in Beaverton impacts your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a breakdown of top neighborhoods:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For
Central Beaverton	Walkable, urban feel. Easy access to downtown Portland via MAX light rail.	$1,500 - $1,700	Younger PMs who want a social life and a short commute to Portland.
Cedar Hills	Established, family-friendly. Good schools, parks. 15-min drive to Nike/Intel.	$1,450 - $1,650	PMs with families or those seeking a quieter, suburban feel.
Bethany	Master-planned community. Upscale, newer homes. 20-min drive to major campuses.	$1,600 - $1,850	Senior PMs with higher budgets looking for modern amenities and top schools.
South Beaverton/Tigard	More affordable, diverse. Close to Providence medical centers. Good access to Highway 217.	$1,350 - $1,500	PMs working in healthcare or seeking a more budget-friendly option with a short commute.
Raleigh Hills	Convenient, commercial. Mix of apartments and homes. Direct bus/MAX lines to Nike.	$1,400 - $1,600	Central planners who value convenience and minimal commute time.

Insider Tip: The MAX Blue Line runs through the heart of Beaverton. If you work at Nike or in downtown Portland, living within a 10-minute walk of a MAX station (like Beaverton Central or Quatama) can be a game-changer, saving you from I-5/US-26 traffic.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Beaverton offers a clear ladder for Project Managers, but you need to be strategic.

• Specialty Premiums: The highest salaries go to PMs who specialize. Software/IT PMs (especially with Agile/Scrum Master certs) command a premium, often 10-15% above the median. Supply Chain and Logistics PMs are highly valued at Nike and Intel, also fetching above-average pay. Construction PMs for the region's ongoing infrastructure projects see strong demand.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from Project Coordinator to Project Manager to Senior PM to Program Manager (overseeing a portfolio of related projects) or Director of Project Management. To move up, you need to demonstrate not just delivery, but strategic thinking, stakeholder management, and financial acumen.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth is reliable. The biggest changes will come from the tech sector's evolution (more remote/hybrid roles, even for local companies) and the continued expansion of the healthcare industry. PMs who upskill in data analytics, AI project management, and change management will have the most opportunities. The rise of remote work has also expanded the playing field—you can work for a Beaverton-based company while living elsewhere, though local candidates often have an edge for on-site leadership roles.

The Verdict: Is Beaverton Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Above-average salaries ($103,285 median) for the cost of living.	High cost of living (106.6 index) and rising housing prices.
Stable, diverse job market with major, recession-resistant employers.	Traffic congestion on US-26 and I-5, especially during rush hour.
Access to nature (Forest Park, Tualatin Mountains) and a vibrant food scene.	Competitive job market for top-tier roles at Nike/Intel.
Excellent public schools in suburbs like Bethany and Cedar Hills.	Rent is high ($1,545 avg for 1BR), making saving for a down payment a challenge.
Proximity to Portland without the downtown price tag or parking headaches.	The "Silicon Forest" culture can be demanding; work-life balance varies by company.

Final Recommendation:
Beaverton is an excellent choice for Project Managers who value career stability, a family-friendly environment, and access to the outdoors. It's ideal for mid-career professionals (3-15 years experience) who can secure a role at or above the median salary. If you're an entry-level PM, it's doable but requires careful budgeting. If you're a senior PM seeking a top-tier role, Beaverton offers strong opportunities, but you may need to negotiate aggressively to match salaries in larger metros like San Francisco or Seattle. For the right person—someone who appreciates a blend of suburban comfort and professional opportunity—Beaverton is a fantastic place to build a long-term career.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to know someone to get a job at Nike or Intel?
A: While networking helps immensely, it's not strictly necessary. Both companies have robust online application systems. However, leveraging LinkedIn to connect with current employees for informational interviews can give you crucial insights into the culture and unlisted requirements.

Q: Is the commute from Beaverton to downtown Portland unbearable?
A: It depends on your mode of transport. Driving during peak hours (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM) on US-26 can be congested, often taking 30-45 minutes. The MAX Blue Line commute is a reliable 25-35 minutes into the heart of Portland and avoids traffic. Many professionals opt for public transit for this reason.

Q: How important is PMP certification in the Beaverton market?
A: For corporate roles (Nike, Intel, Tektronix), it's highly important and often a requirement for senior positions. For healthcare or government roles, it's a strong plus. For small businesses or startups, experience may trump certification. Given the competition, getting your PMP is a safe bet to stand out.

Q: What's the best way to find a Project Manager job in Beaverton?
A: Use a multi-pronged approach: 1) Company Career Pages: Check Nike, Intel, Providence, and Columbia daily. 2) Local Job Boards: Use "Project Manager" filters on LinkedIn and Indeed, setting location to Beaverton. 3) Recruiters: Connect with local tech and healthcare recruiters on LinkedIn. 4) Networking: Attend events hosted by PMI Oregon Chapter or local tech meetups.

Q: Is the cost of living really that much higher? Can I live comfortably on a Project Manager's salary?
A: Yes, the cost of living is about 6.6% above the national average, primarily driven by housing. However, the median Project Manager salary of $103,285 is also above the national average. With a $1,545 rent, a single person earning the median can live comfortably, save for retirement, and enjoy the area's amenities. The key is budgeting, especially if you have student loans or other debt.