Portland vs Hillsboro: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Portland, OR and Hillsboro, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Portland, OR | Hillsboro, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $139,044 | $142,208▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $66.85 | $68.37▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $88,322▲ | $82,480 |
| 25th Percentile | $110,426▲ | $108,763 |
| 75th Percentile | $173,182 | $181,739▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $231,071▲ | $220,423 |
| Total Employed | 1,010▲ | 22 |
Verdict
Portland and Hillsboro are closely matched on overall veterinarian compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Portland and Hillsboro is $3,164 (2.28%). 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 Portland spans $142,749,Hillsboro spans $137,943. Portland 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, Hillsboro ($138,604 effective) pays 5.09% more than Portland ($131,894 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($231,071)
- ✓Larger job market (1,010 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Hillsboro if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($142,208/year)
- ✓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 Portland grew 20.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -5.1% growth in Hillsboro over the same period.
Portland, OR
$109,460 (2019) → $131,720 (2025)
Hillsboro, OR
$142,019 (2024) → $134,718 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Portland, OR
Hillsboro, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Portland or Hillsboro?
What is the hourly rate difference between Portland and Hillsboro?
Should I relocate from Portland to Hillsboro as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Portland vs Hillsboro?
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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