Bend vs Hillsboro: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Bend, OR and Hillsboro, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bend, OR | Hillsboro, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $125,638 | $142,208▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $60.40 | $68.37▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,788 | $82,480▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $106,510 | $108,763▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $161,327 | $181,739▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $183,991 | $220,423▲ |
| Total Employed | 140▲ | 22 |
Verdict
Hillsboro, OR offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bend.
The salary gap between Bend and Hillsboro is $16,570 (13.19%). Hillsboro's median is +3.55% 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,Hillsboro spans $137,943. Hillsboro 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, Hillsboro ($138,604 effective) pays 14.30% 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 Hillsboro if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($142,208/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($220,423)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $138,604)
- ✓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 -5.1% growth in Hillsboro over the same period.
Bend, OR
$73,740 (2019) → $119,020 (2025)
Hillsboro, OR
$142,019 (2024) → $134,718 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hillsboro, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Bend or Hillsboro?
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Should I relocate from Bend to Hillsboro as a veterinarian?
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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