Bend vs Eugene: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Bend, OR and Eugene, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bend, OR | Eugene, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $125,638 | $132,277▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $60.40 | $63.59▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,788 | $82,136▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $106,510▲ | $104,188 |
| 75th Percentile | $161,327▲ | $158,414 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $183,991 | $219,649▲ |
| Total Employed | 140 | 150▲ |
Verdict
Eugene, OR offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bend.
The salary gap between Bend and Eugene is $6,639 (5.28%). Eugene's median is -3.68% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bend spans $102,203,Eugene spans $137,513. Eugene has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinarians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Eugene ($130,235 effective) pays 7.40% more than Bend ($121,264 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bend if…
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Eugene if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($132,277/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($219,649)
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $130,235)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Bend grew 61.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 61.3% growth in Eugene over the same period.
Bend, OR
$73,740 (2019) → $119,020 (2025)
Eugene, OR
$77,700 (2019) → $125,310 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Bend or Eugene?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bend and Eugene?
Should I relocate from Bend to Eugene as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Bend vs Eugene?
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Written by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM
Career Analyst
Dr. Alice Nguyen has 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She specializes in small animal surgery. She currently works at a suburban veterinary clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.56% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov