Beaverton vs Portland: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Beaverton, OR and Portland, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Beaverton, OR | Portland, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $143,414▲ | $140,283 |
| Hourly Rate | $68.95▲ | $67.45 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,180 | $92,355▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $110,608▲ | $108,540 |
| 75th Percentile | $171,570▲ | $157,220 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $217,326▲ | $171,809 |
| Total Employed | 14 | 350▲ |
Verdict
Beaverton, OR offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Portland.
The salary gap between Beaverton and Portland is $3,131 (2.23%). Beaverton's median is +1.99% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Beaverton spans $134,146,Portland spans $79,454. Beaverton 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, Beaverton ($139,780 effective) pays 5.04% more than Portland ($133,069 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Beaverton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($143,414/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($217,326)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $139,780)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Larger job market (350 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Beaverton grew -1.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.3% growth in Portland over the same period.
Beaverton, OR
$140,750 (2024) → $139,291 (2025)
Portland, OR
$104,540 (2019) → $136,250 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Beaverton, OR
Portland, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Beaverton or Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Beaverton and Portland?
Should I relocate from Beaverton to Portland as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Beaverton vs Portland?
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Written by Aisha Patel, OD
Career Analyst
Aisha Patel has 10 years of experience in optometry. She specializes in pediatric vision care. Aisha works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.96% 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 Aisha Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov