Healthcare Portland, OR Pop. 652,503

Veterinarian Salary in Portland, Oregon

The median veterinarian salary in Portland, OR is $123,912 per year, which is 20.0% above the national median and 7.1% above the Oregon state average.

City Median
$123,912
vs State Avg
+$8,261
vs National
+$20,652
Cost of Living
118%

Veterinarian Pay in Portland: What to Expect (2026)

Portland offers a median veterinarian salary of $123,912, which is $8,261 above the Oregon state average of $115,651. Compared to the national median of $103,260, Portland pays above average for this role.

However, Portland's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $123,912 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $105,010. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Portland should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for veterinarians in Portland spans from $78,240 at the 10th percentile to $209,040 at the 90th percentile — a $130,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $81,600, while senior veterinarians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $186,000. As a major metro area with a population of 652,503, Portland typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Veterinarian Salary in Portland by Experience

In Portland, an entry-level veterinarian earns around $81,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $186,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$81,600
+$13,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$126,000
+$21,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$186,000
+$31,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Portland, OR

Percentile Portland
10th Percentile $78,240
25th Percentile $96,480
Median (50th) $123,912
75th Percentile $161,280
90th Percentile $209,040

Veterinarian Salary in Other Oregon Cities

Hillsboro, OR
$117,716
Pop. 106,447
Gresham, OR
$113,586
Pop. 113,103
Eugene, OR
$110,488
Pop. 176,654
Salem, OR
$107,390
Pop. 175,535

How to Become a Veterinarian in Portland

Education

Most veterinarian positions require a doctoral degree. Portland and the surrounding Oregon area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

DiagnosisSurgeryPharmacologyAnimal HandlingClient CommunicationRadiology

Job Outlook

Nationally, veterinarian employment is projected to grow 19% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Portland may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Veterinarian Jobs in Portland

Browse open veterinarian positions in Portland, OR:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Veterinarian Salary in Portland

How much does a Veterinarian make in Portland, OR? ▼
The median veterinarian salary in Portland, Oregon is $123,912 per year, which is 20.0% above the national median of $103,260. Salaries range from $78,240 (10th percentile) to $209,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Veterinarian make per hour in Portland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $123,912, a veterinarian in Portland earns approximately $60 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Portland compare to the Oregon state average for veterinarian pay? ▼
Portland's median veterinarian salary of $123,912 is 7.1% above the Oregon state average of $115,651. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Portland, OR? ▼
Portland has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a veterinarian salary of $123,912 in Portland has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a veterinarian in Portland? ▼
Most veterinarian positions in Portland require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Diagnosis, Surgery, Pharmacology, Animal Handling. The job market is projected to grow 19% nationally over the next decade.