Bend vs Milwaukie: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Bend, OR and Milwaukie, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bend, OR | Milwaukie, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $125,638▲ | $124,006 |
| Hourly Rate | $60.40▲ | $59.62 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,788▲ | $75,874 |
| 25th Percentile | $106,510▲ | $99,556 |
| 75th Percentile | $161,327▲ | $155,436 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $183,991 | $192,209▲ |
| Total Employed | 140▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Bend, OR offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Milwaukie.
The salary gap between Bend and Milwaukie is $1,632 (1.32%). Bend's median is -8.52% 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,Milwaukie spans $116,335. Milwaukie 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, Bend ($121,264 effective) pays 0.33% more than Milwaukie ($120,864 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bend if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($125,638/year)
- ✓Larger job market (140 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $121,264)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Milwaukie if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($192,209)
- ✓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 Milwaukie over the same period.
Bend, OR
$73,740 (2019) → $119,020 (2025)
Milwaukie, OR
$126,356 (2024) → $117,474 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Milwaukie, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Bend or Milwaukie?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bend and Milwaukie?
Should I relocate from Bend to Milwaukie as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Bend vs Milwaukie?
Related Comparisons
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