Portland vs Salem: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Portland, OR and Salem, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Portland, OR | Salem, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $111,945▲ | $106,444 |
| Hourly Rate | $53.81▲ | $51.17 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,981▲ | $80,207 |
| 25th Percentile | $97,948▲ | $87,996 |
| 75th Percentile | $136,851▲ | $129,551 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $149,517▲ | $140,782 |
| Total Employed | 1,140▲ | 120 |
Verdict
Portland, OR offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Salem.
The salary gap between Portland and Salem is $5,501 (5.17%). Portland's median is +9.99% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Portland spans $64,536,Salem spans $60,575. Portland 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, Portland ($106,189 effective) pays 3.40% more than Salem ($102,697 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($111,945/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($149,517)
- ✓Larger job market (1,140 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,189)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Portland grew 33.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 30.5% growth in Salem over the same period.
Portland, OR
$80,420 (2019) → $107,650 (2025)
Salem, OR
$78,410 (2019) → $102,360 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Portland, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Portland or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Portland and Salem?
Should I relocate from Portland to Salem as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Portland 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