Veterinarian Salary in Oregon: $136,183 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Oregon's 36 metropolitan areas, the average median veterinarian pay sits at $136,183/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1131. Because Oregon sits at BEA RPP 102.6 (3% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $132,732 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Medford ($135,740), Hillsboro ($134,718), Portland ($131,720).
In 2026, the average median salary for veterinarians in Oregon is projected to be $136,183, which is slightly below the national median of $137,334, resulting in a variance of -0.8%. The disparity in salaries across cities in Oregon can be significant, with Medford offering the highest average salary at $143,287, while Milwaukie provides the lowest at $124,006, highlighting a salary gap of $19,281. Factors influencing these differences include the cost of living, demand for veterinary services, and local economic conditions. Oregon has specific state licensing requirements and scope of practice laws that veterinarians need to navigate, impacting their operating capabilities and earning potential. The job market for veterinarians in the state is projected to grow at an annual rate of 5.56%, reflecting a strong demand for veterinary services. Major cities contributing to this growth include Medford, Hillsboro at $142,208, Portland at $139,044, Gresham at $138,059, and Salem at $137,576. This growth indicates a healthy outlook for those entering the veterinary field in Oregon, as more opportunities arise in urban and suburban settings.
Oregon Veterinarian Salary Range
Overall salary range in Oregon: $73,718 (lowest entry-level) to $231,071 (highest top earner)
Oregon vs National Average
Oregon veterinarians earn 0.84% less than the national median ($-1,151/year difference).
Oregon Veterinarian Salary Distribution (2026)
Veterinarian salaries in Oregon range from $85,099 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $216,777 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $136,183. The Oregon median is $1,151 below the US national median of $137,334. The average hourly rate is $65.47/hr. Approximately 1,779 veterinarians are employed across 36 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$100,533
2025 BLS Actual
$129,010
2026 Current Est.
$136,183
2019–2027 Growth
+43.0%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinarians in Oregon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.56% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $100,533 | Actual |
| 2020 | $112,546 | Actual |
| 2021 | $100,451 | Actual |
| 2022 | $100,857 | Actual |
| 2023 | $113,785 | Actual |
| 2024 | $117,510 | Actual |
| 2025 | $129,010 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $136,183 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $143,755 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Oregon metropolitan area, the median veterinarian salary grew 28.3% from $100,533 (2019) to $129,010 (2025). At a 5.56% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $143,755 by 2027 — a total increase of $43,222 (42.99%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oregon metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.56% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Oregon
Lowest Paying Cities in Oregon
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Milwaukie | $124,006 |
| Klamath Falls | $124,300 |
| The Dalles | $125,051 |
| Corvallis | $125,638 |
| Bend | $125,638 |
Best Value Cities for Veterinarians in Oregon
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Oregon cities offer the most purchasing power for veterinarians.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medford | $143,287 | 101.433 | $141,263 |
| Hillsboro | $142,208 | 102.6 | $138,604 |
| Gresham | $138,059 | 102.6 | $134,560 |
| Salem | $137,576 | 103.649 | $132,733 |
| Albany | $136,159 | 102.6 | $132,709 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Oregon
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $85,099 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $136,183 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $216,777 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Oregon metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 36 Cities in Oregon
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Medford | $143,287 |
| 2 | Hillsboro | $142,208 |
| 3 | Portland | $139,044 |
| 4 | Gresham | $138,059 |
| 5 | Salem | $137,576 |
| 6 | Albany | $136,159 |
| 7 | Beaverton | $134,128 |
| 8 | McMinnville | $133,764 |
| 9 | Oregon City | $133,606 |
| 10 | Woodburn | $132,716 |
| 11 | Eugene | $132,277 |
| 12 | Lake Oswego | $132,078 |
| 13 | Forest Grove | $131,733 |
| 14 | Tigard | $131,178 |
| 15 | Redmond | $131,135 |
| 16 | West Linn | $130,758 |
| 17 | Springfield | $130,568 |
| 18 | Grants Pass | $130,287 |
| 19 | Tualatin | $129,628 |
| 20 | Pendleton | $129,616 |
| 21 | Wilsonville | $129,429 |
| 22 | Happy Valley | $128,318 |
| 23 | Hermiston | $127,963 |
| 24 | Central Point | $127,902 |
| 25 | Ashland | $127,891 |
| 26 | Keizer | $127,858 |
| 27 | Sherwood | $127,851 |
| 28 | Coos Bay | $127,638 |
| 29 | Roseburg | $127,171 |
| 30 | Canby | $127,101 |
| 31 | Newberg | $126,400 |
| 32 | Bend | $125,638 |
| 33 | Corvallis | $125,638 |
| 34 | The Dalles | $125,051 |
| 35 | Klamath Falls | $124,300 |
| 36 | Milwaukie | $124,006 |
More Oregon Salary Data
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced veterinarians.
Compare Cities in Oregon
View all comparisons →Explore More Veterinarian Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinarians make in Oregon in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for veterinarians in Oregon?
How does Oregon veterinarian pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level veterinarian salary in Oregon?
How many veterinarians are employed in Oregon?
Which Oregon city offers the best value for veterinarians?
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
Statewide salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.56% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 veterinarian compensation across Oregon. State averages are employment-weighted across 36 metro areas — larger metro areas with more veterinarianscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.56%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for veterinarians (SOC 29-1131).
Compiled and verified by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov