Bend vs Medford: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Bend, OR and Medford, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bend, OR | Medford, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $153,544 | $160,260▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $73.82 | $77.05▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $127,445 | $127,611▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $140,267▲ | $135,298 |
| 75th Percentile | $167,626 | $180,128▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $178,000 | $201,598▲ |
| Total Employed | 220▲ | 210 |
Verdict
Medford, OR offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bend.
The salary gap between Bend and Medford is $6,716 (4.37%). Medford's median is +14.15% 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,Medford spans $73,987. Medford 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, Medford ($157,996 effective) pays 6.61% 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 Medford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($160,260/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($201,598)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $157,996)
- ✓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 31.0% growth in Medford over the same period.
Bend, OR
$114,630 (2019) → $148,610 (2025)
Medford, OR
$118,420 (2019) → $155,110 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Medford, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Bend or Medford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bend and Medford?
Should I relocate from Bend to Medford as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Bend vs Medford?
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