Eugene vs Portland: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Eugene, OR and Portland, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Eugene, OR | Portland, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $100,101 | $111,945▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.13 | $53.81▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,160 | $84,981▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $78,024 | $97,948▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $107,754 | $136,851▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $129,000 | $149,517▲ |
| Total Employed | 160 | 1,140▲ |
Verdict
Portland, OR offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Eugene.
The salary gap between Eugene and Portland is $11,844 (11.83%). Portland's median is +9.99% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Eugene spans $63,840,Portland spans $64,536. Portland has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced speech-language pathologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Portland ($106,189 effective) pays 7.74% more than Eugene ($98,556 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Eugene if…
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($111,945/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($149,517)
- ✓Larger job market (1,140 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,189)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Eugene grew 10.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 33.9% growth in Portland over the same period.
Eugene, OR
$87,300 (2019) → $96,260 (2025)
Portland, OR
$80,420 (2019) → $107,650 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Eugene, OR
Portland, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Eugene or Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Eugene and Portland?
Should I relocate from Eugene to Portland as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Eugene vs Portland?
Written by Jordan Lee, CCC-SLP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 8 years of experience in speech-language pathology. He specializes in pediatric language disorders. He works in a community health clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.99% 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 Lee, CCC-SLP, a licensed speech-language pathologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov