Bend vs Portland: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Bend, OR and Portland, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bend, OR | Portland, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,652 | $140,283▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $64.26 | $67.45▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $89,699 | $92,355▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $107,315 | $108,540▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $137,884 | $157,220▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $166,672 | $171,809▲ |
| Total Employed | 40 | 350▲ |
Verdict
Portland, OR offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bend.
The salary gap between Bend and Portland is $6,631 (4.96%). Portland's median is -0.23% 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,Portland spans $79,454. Portland 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, Portland ($133,069 effective) pays 3.16% 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…
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($140,283/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($171,809)
- ✓Larger job market (350 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $133,069)
- ✓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 30.3% growth in Portland over the same period.
Bend, OR
$122,480 (2021) → $129,810 (2025)
Portland, OR
$104,540 (2019) → $136,250 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Portland, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Bend or Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bend and Portland?
Should I relocate from Bend to Portland as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Bend 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