Bend vs Portland: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist 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 | $113,931▲ | $111,945 |
| Hourly Rate | $54.77▲ | $53.81 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,005 | $84,981▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $88,610 | $97,948▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $128,448 | $136,851▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $140,179 | $149,517▲ |
| Total Employed | 100 | 1,140▲ |
Verdict
Bend and Portland are closely matched on overall speech-language pathologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Bend and Portland is $1,986 (1.77%). Bend's median is +11.94% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bend spans $63,174,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, Bend ($109,965 effective) pays 3.56% more than Portland ($106,189 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 ($113,931/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,965)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($149,517)
- ✓Larger job market (1,140 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Bend grew 17.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 33.9% growth in Portland over the same period.
Bend, OR
$93,590 (2019) → $109,560 (2025)
Portland, OR
$80,420 (2019) → $107,650 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Portland, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Bend or Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bend and Portland?
Should I relocate from Bend to Portland as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Bend 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