Bend vs Lake Oswego: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Bend, OR and Lake Oswego, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bend, OR | Lake Oswego, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $125,638 | $132,078▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $60.40 | $63.49▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,788▲ | $76,605 |
| 25th Percentile | $106,510▲ | $101,397 |
| 75th Percentile | $161,327 | $165,229▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $183,991 | $204,721▲ |
| Total Employed | 140▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Lake Oswego, OR offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bend.
The salary gap between Bend and Lake Oswego is $6,440 (5.13%). Lake Oswego's median is -3.83% 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,Lake Oswego spans $128,116. Lake Oswego 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, Lake Oswego ($128,731 effective) pays 6.16% 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 Lake Oswego if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($132,078/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($204,721)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $128,731)
- ✓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 Lake Oswego over the same period.
Bend, OR
$73,740 (2019) → $119,020 (2025)
Lake Oswego, OR
$134,581 (2024) → $125,121 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lake Oswego, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Bend or Lake Oswego?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bend and Lake Oswego?
Should I relocate from Bend to Lake Oswego as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Bend vs Lake Oswego?
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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