Bend vs Hillsboro: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Bend, OR and Hillsboro, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bend, OR | Hillsboro, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,652 | $143,476▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $64.26 | $68.98▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $89,699▲ | $83,216 |
| 25th Percentile | $107,315 | $112,742▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $137,884 | $173,533▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $166,672 | $212,214▲ |
| Total Employed | 40▲ | 22 |
Verdict
Hillsboro, OR offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bend.
The salary gap between Bend and Hillsboro is $9,824 (7.35%). Hillsboro's median is +2.04% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bend spans $76,973,Hillsboro spans $128,998. Hillsboro has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced optometrists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Hillsboro ($139,840 effective) pays 8.40% more than Bend ($128,999 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bend if…
- ✓Larger job market (40 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Hillsboro if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($143,476/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($212,214)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $139,840)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Bend grew 6.0% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -4.7% growth in Hillsboro over the same period.
Bend, OR
$122,480 (2021) → $129,810 (2025)
Hillsboro, OR
$146,259 (2024) → $139,351 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hillsboro, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Bend or Hillsboro?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bend and Hillsboro?
Should I relocate from Bend to Hillsboro as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Bend vs Hillsboro?
Related Comparisons
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