Eugene vs Salem: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Eugene, OR and Salem, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Eugene, OR | Salem, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $132,277 | $137,576▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $63.59 | $66.14▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,136 | $82,273▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $104,188 | $109,138▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $158,414 | $163,808▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $219,649▲ | $200,057 |
| Total Employed | 150▲ | 120 |
Verdict
Eugene and Salem are closely matched on overall veterinarian compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Eugene and Salem is $5,299 (4.01%). Salem's median is +0.18% 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,Salem spans $117,784. 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, Salem ($132,733 effective) pays 1.92% more than Eugene ($130,235 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Eugene if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($219,649)
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($137,576/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $132,733)
- ✓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 42.0% growth in Salem over the same period.
Eugene, OR
$77,700 (2019) → $125,310 (2025)
Salem, OR
$91,790 (2019) → $130,330 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Eugene, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Eugene or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Eugene and Salem?
Should I relocate from Eugene to Salem as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Eugene vs Salem?
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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