Eugene vs Hillsboro: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Eugene, OR and Hillsboro, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Eugene, OR | Hillsboro, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $117,107 | $166,332▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $56.30 | $79.97▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,431 | $96,473▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $91,079 | $119,759▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $173,593 | $212,904▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $216,520 | $257,814▲ |
| Total Employed | 420▲ | 22 |
Verdict
Hillsboro, OR offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Eugene.
The salary gap between Eugene and Hillsboro is $49,225 (42.03%). Hillsboro's median is -0.50% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Eugene spans $138,089,Hillsboro spans $161,341. Hillsboro 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, Hillsboro ($162,117 effective) pays 40.61% 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 Eugene if…
- ✓Larger job market (420 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Hillsboro if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($166,332/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($257,814)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $162,117)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Eugene grew 51.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.6% growth in Hillsboro over the same period.
Eugene, OR
$73,830 (2019) → $111,850 (2025)
Hillsboro, OR
$146,259 (2024) → $158,865 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Eugene, OR
Hillsboro, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
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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