Portland vs Salem: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist 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 | $115,530▲ | $113,057 |
| Hourly Rate | $55.55▲ | $54.35 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $88,106 | $90,219▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $102,854▲ | $101,370 |
| 75th Percentile | $132,525▲ | $130,020 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $135,740▲ | $134,349 |
| Total Employed | 730▲ | 140 |
Verdict
Portland, OR offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Salem.
The salary gap between Portland and Salem is $2,473 (2.19%). Portland's median is +11.73% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Portland spans $47,634,Salem spans $44,130. 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 ($109,589 effective) pays 0.47% more than Salem ($109,077 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 ($115,530/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($135,740)
- ✓Larger job market (730 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,589)
- ✓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, occupational therapist salaries in Portland grew 19.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 31.9% growth in Salem over the same period.
Portland, OR
$93,820 (2019) → $112,100 (2025)
Salem, OR
$83,160 (2019) → $109,700 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Portland, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Portland or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Portland and Salem?
Should I relocate from Portland to Salem as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Portland vs Salem?
Written by Jordan Miller, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in occupational therapy. They specialize in pediatrics and work in a rehabilitation clinic.
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 Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov