Eugene vs Hillsboro: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Eugene, OR and Hillsboro, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Eugene, OR | Hillsboro, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $111,284 | $118,159▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $53.50 | $56.81▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,334▲ | $82,663 |
| 25th Percentile | $99,494▲ | $95,345 |
| 75th Percentile | $125,537 | $137,402▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $147,974 | $154,852▲ |
| Total Employed | 120▲ | 22 |
Verdict
Hillsboro, OR offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Eugene.
The salary gap between Eugene and Hillsboro is $6,875 (6.18%). Hillsboro's median is +14.27% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Eugene spans $63,640,Hillsboro spans $72,189. Hillsboro 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, Hillsboro ($115,165 effective) pays 5.11% more than Eugene ($109,566 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Eugene if…
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Hillsboro if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($118,159/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($154,852)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $115,165)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Eugene grew 17.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.7% growth in Hillsboro over the same period.
Eugene, OR
$91,910 (2019) → $107,980 (2025)
Hillsboro, OR
$101,745 (2024) → $114,651 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Eugene, OR
Hillsboro, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Eugene or Hillsboro?
What is the hourly rate difference between Eugene and Hillsboro?
Should I relocate from Eugene to Hillsboro as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Eugene vs Hillsboro?
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