Eugene vs Pendleton: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Eugene, OR and Pendleton, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Eugene, OR | Pendleton, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $95,619▲ | $89,074 |
| Hourly Rate | $45.98▲ | $42.82 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,790▲ | $58,862 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,809▲ | $70,703 |
| 75th Percentile | $95,619 | $111,416▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $107,656 | $123,806▲ |
| Total Employed | 360▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Eugene, OR offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Pendleton.
The salary gap between Eugene and Pendleton is $6,545 (7.35%). Eugene's median is +21.74% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Eugene spans $30,866,Pendleton spans $64,944. Pendleton has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced police officers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Eugene ($94,143 effective) pays 8.44% more than Pendleton ($86,817 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Eugene if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($95,619/year)
- ✓Larger job market (360 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $94,143)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Pendleton if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($123,806)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Eugene grew 27.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.9% growth in Pendleton over the same period.
Eugene, OR
$72,810 (2019) → $92,780 (2025)
Pendleton, OR
$80,821 (2024) → $86,429 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Eugene, OR
Pendleton, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Eugene or Pendleton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Eugene and Pendleton?
Should I relocate from Eugene to Pendleton as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Eugene vs Pendleton?
Written by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in law enforcement. They specialize in community policing strategies. Jordan works with a municipal police department.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% 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 Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice, a licensed police officer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov