Bend vs Tigard: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Bend, OR and Tigard, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bend, OR | Tigard, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,652 | $140,260▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $64.26 | $67.43▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $89,699▲ | $81,351 |
| 25th Percentile | $107,315 | $112,875▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $137,884 | $169,522▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $166,672 | $205,971▲ |
| Total Employed | 40▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Tigard, OR offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bend.
The salary gap between Bend and Tigard is $6,608 (4.94%). Tigard's median is -0.25% 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,Tigard spans $124,620. Tigard 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, Tigard ($136,706 effective) pays 5.97% 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 Tigard if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($140,260/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($205,971)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $136,706)
- ✓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 -1.0% growth in Tigard over the same period.
Bend, OR
$122,480 (2021) → $129,810 (2025)
Tigard, OR
$137,655 (2024) → $136,228 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Bend or Tigard?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bend and Tigard?
Should I relocate from Bend to Tigard as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Bend vs Tigard?
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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