Bend vs Hermiston: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Bend, OR and Hermiston, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bend, OR | Hermiston, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $125,638 | $127,963▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $60.40 | $61.52▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,788▲ | $74,341 |
| 25th Percentile | $106,510▲ | $99,755 |
| 75th Percentile | $161,327▲ | $157,550 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $183,991 | $198,343▲ |
| Total Employed | 140▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Hermiston, OR offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bend.
The salary gap between Bend and Hermiston is $2,325 (1.85%). Hermiston's median is -6.82% 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,Hermiston spans $124,002. Hermiston 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, Hermiston ($124,720 effective) pays 2.85% 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…
- ✓Larger job market (140 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Hermiston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($127,963/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($198,343)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $124,720)
- ✓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 -7.0% growth in Hermiston over the same period.
Bend, OR
$73,740 (2019) → $119,020 (2025)
Hermiston, OR
$130,388 (2024) → $121,223 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hermiston, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Bend or Hermiston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bend and Hermiston?
Should I relocate from Bend to Hermiston as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Bend vs Hermiston?
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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