Bend vs Portland: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist 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 | $118,385▲ | $115,530 |
| Hourly Rate | $56.92▲ | $55.55 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $88,518▲ | $88,106 |
| 25th Percentile | $96,969 | $102,854▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $133,648▲ | $132,525 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $133,648 | $135,740▲ |
| Total Employed | 100 | 730▲ |
Verdict
Bend and Portland are closely matched on overall occupational therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Bend and Portland is $2,855 (2.47%). Bend's median is +14.49% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bend spans $45,130,Portland spans $47,634. Portland has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bend ($114,264 effective) pays 4.27% more than Portland ($109,589 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bend if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($118,385/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $114,264)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($135,740)
- ✓Larger job market (730 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Bend grew 26.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.5% growth in Portland over the same period.
Bend, OR
$91,030 (2019) → $114,870 (2025)
Portland, OR
$93,820 (2019) → $112,100 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Portland, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Bend or Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bend and Portland?
Should I relocate from Bend to Portland as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Bend vs Portland?
Written by Jordan Miller, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in occupational therapy. They specialize in pediatrics and work in a rehabilitation clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% 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 Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov