Forest Grove vs Salem: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Forest Grove, OR and Salem, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Forest Grove, OR | Salem, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,996 | $106,444▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.48 | $51.17▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,761 | $80,207▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $81,799 | $87,996▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $120,037 | $129,551▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $137,190 | $140,782▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 120▲ |
Verdict
Salem, OR offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Forest Grove.
The salary gap between Forest Grove and Salem is $1,448 (1.38%). Salem's median is +4.59% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Forest Grove spans $70,429,Salem spans $60,575. Forest Grove has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Salem ($102,697 effective) pays 0.35% more than Forest Grove ($102,335 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Forest Grove if…
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,444/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($140,782)
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,697)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Forest Grove grew 9.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.5% growth in Salem over the same period.
Forest Grove, OR
$92,157 (2024) → $100,967 (2025)
Salem, OR
$78,410 (2019) → $102,360 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Forest Grove, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Forest Grove or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Forest Grove and Salem?
Should I relocate from Forest Grove to Salem as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Forest Grove vs Salem?
Written by Jordan Lee, CCC-SLP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 8 years of experience in speech-language pathology. He specializes in pediatric language disorders. He works in a community health clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.99% 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, CCC-SLP, a licensed speech-language pathologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov