Albany vs Eugene: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Albany, OR and Eugene, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albany, OR | Eugene, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $170,535▲ | $117,107 |
| Hourly Rate | $81.99▲ | $56.30 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,807▲ | $78,431 |
| 25th Percentile | $99,350▲ | $91,079 |
| 75th Percentile | $177,770▲ | $173,593 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $199,014 | $216,520▲ |
| Total Employed | 50 | 420▲ |
Verdict
Albany and Eugene are closely matched on overall lawyer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Albany and Eugene is $53,428 (45.62%). Albany's median is +2.01% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albany spans $116,207,Eugene spans $138,089. Eugene has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced lawyers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Albany ($167,027 effective) pays 44.86% more than Eugene ($115,299 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Albany if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($170,535/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $167,027)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Eugene if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($216,520)
- ✓Larger job market (420 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Albany grew 102.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 51.5% growth in Eugene over the same period.
Albany, OR
$80,490 (2019) → $162,880 (2025)
Eugene, OR
$73,830 (2019) → $111,850 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albany, OR
Eugene, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays lawyers more: Albany or Eugene?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albany and Eugene?
Should I relocate from Albany to Eugene as a lawyer?
What do entry-level lawyers earn in Albany vs Eugene?
Written by Alexandra Chen, JD
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in corporate law. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions. Alexandra works at a mid-sized law firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.70% 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 Alexandra Chen, JD, a licensed lawyer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov