Bend vs Hillsboro: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Bend, OR and Hillsboro, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bend, OR | Hillsboro, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $153,544 | $173,100▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $73.82 | $83.22▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $127,445▲ | $123,957 |
| 25th Percentile | $140,267 | $150,934▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $167,626 | $208,971▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $178,000 | $241,896▲ |
| Total Employed | 220▲ | 22 |
Verdict
Hillsboro, OR offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bend.
The salary gap between Bend and Hillsboro is $19,556 (12.74%). Hillsboro's median is +23.30% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bend spans $50,555,Hillsboro spans $117,939. Hillsboro has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physician assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Hillsboro ($168,713 effective) pays 13.84% more than Bend ($148,198 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bend if…
- ✓Larger job market (220 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Hillsboro if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($173,100/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($241,896)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $168,713)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Bend grew 29.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.8% growth in Hillsboro over the same period.
Bend, OR
$114,630 (2019) → $148,610 (2025)
Hillsboro, OR
$139,900 (2024) → $167,538 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hillsboro, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Bend or Hillsboro?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bend and Hillsboro?
Should I relocate from Bend to Hillsboro as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Bend vs Hillsboro?
Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.32% 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 Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov