Bend vs Tualatin: Plumber Salary (2026)
Compare plumber salaries between Bend, OR and Tualatin, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bend, OR | Tualatin, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $94,657▲ | $83,346 |
| Hourly Rate | $45.51▲ | $40.08 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,866 | $61,807▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $63,521 | $67,738▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $101,536 | $106,682▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $115,878 | $129,185▲ |
| Total Employed | 240▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Bend, OR offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tualatin.
The salary gap between Bend and Tualatin is $11,311 (13.57%). Bend's median is +44.72% compared to the US national median of $65,408.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bend spans $55,012,Tualatin spans $67,378. Tualatin has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced plumbers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bend ($91,362 effective) pays 12.47% more than Tualatin ($81,234 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bend if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($94,657/year)
- ✓Larger job market (240 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $91,362)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Tualatin if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($129,185)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Bend grew 55.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 5.7% growth in Tualatin over the same period.
Bend, OR
$59,260 (2019) → $92,330 (2025)
Tualatin, OR
$76,885 (2024) → $81,297 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Tualatin, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays plumbers more: Bend or Tualatin?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bend and Tualatin?
Should I relocate from Bend to Tualatin as a plumber?
What do entry-level plumbers earn in Bend vs Tualatin?
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Written by Samuel Torres, CWP
Career Analyst
Samuel Torres has 10 years of experience in plumbing. He specializes in residential plumbing systems. He has worked with several home improvement companies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.52% 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 Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov