Salem vs Tigard: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Salem, OR and Tigard, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Salem, OR | Tigard, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $137,576▲ | $131,178 |
| Hourly Rate | $66.14▲ | $63.06 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,273▲ | $76,355 |
| 25th Percentile | $109,138▲ | $102,786 |
| 75th Percentile | $163,808 | $167,440▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $200,057 | $203,327▲ |
| Total Employed | 120▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Salem, OR offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tigard.
The salary gap between Salem and Tigard is $6,398 (4.88%). Salem's median is +0.18% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Salem spans $117,784,Tigard spans $126,972. Tigard has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinarians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Salem ($132,733 effective) pays 3.82% more than Tigard ($127,854 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($137,576/year)
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $132,733)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Tigard if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($203,327)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Salem grew 42.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -7.0% growth in Tigard over the same period.
Salem, OR
$91,790 (2019) → $130,330 (2025)
Tigard, OR
$133,665 (2024) → $124,269 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Tigard, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Salem or Tigard?
What is the hourly rate difference between Salem and Tigard?
Should I relocate from Salem to Tigard as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Salem vs Tigard?
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.56% 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 Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov