Eugene vs Pendleton: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Eugene, OR and Pendleton, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Eugene, OR | Pendleton, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $111,284▲ | $108,607 |
| Hourly Rate | $53.50▲ | $52.21 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,334▲ | $82,299 |
| 25th Percentile | $99,494▲ | $91,182 |
| 75th Percentile | $125,537▲ | $123,443 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $147,974▲ | $131,007 |
| Total Employed | 120▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Eugene, OR offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Pendleton.
The salary gap between Eugene and Pendleton is $2,677 (2.46%). Eugene's median is +7.62% 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,Pendleton spans $48,708. Eugene has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Eugene ($109,566 effective) pays 3.51% more than Pendleton ($105,855 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Eugene if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($111,284/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($147,974)
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,566)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Pendleton if…
- ✓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 11.4% growth in Pendleton over the same period.
Eugene, OR
$91,910 (2019) → $107,980 (2025)
Pendleton, OR
$94,619 (2024) → $105,382 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Eugene, OR
Pendleton, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Eugene or Pendleton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Eugene and Pendleton?
Should I relocate from Eugene to Pendleton as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Eugene vs Pendleton?
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