Eugene vs Lake Oswego: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Eugene, OR and Lake Oswego, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Eugene, OR | Lake Oswego, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $132,277▲ | $132,078 |
| Hourly Rate | $63.59▲ | $63.49 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,136▲ | $76,605 |
| 25th Percentile | $104,188▲ | $101,397 |
| 75th Percentile | $158,414 | $165,229▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $219,649▲ | $204,721 |
| Total Employed | 150▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Eugene, OR offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lake Oswego.
The salary gap between Eugene and Lake Oswego is $199 (0.15%). 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 Eugene spans $137,513,Lake Oswego spans $128,116. Eugene has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Eugene ($130,235 effective) pays 1.17% more than Lake Oswego ($128,731 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Lake Oswego if…
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Eugene grew 61.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -7.0% growth in Lake Oswego over the same period.
Eugene, OR
$77,700 (2019) → $125,310 (2025)
Lake Oswego, OR
$134,581 (2024) → $125,121 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Eugene, OR
Lake Oswego, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Eugene or Lake Oswego?
What is the hourly rate difference between Eugene and Lake Oswego?
Should I relocate from Eugene to Lake Oswego as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Eugene vs Lake Oswego?
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