Salem vs Tigard: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Salem, OR and Tigard, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Salem, OR | Tigard, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $113,057▲ | $109,916 |
| Hourly Rate | $54.35▲ | $52.85 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,219▲ | $80,066 |
| 25th Percentile | $101,370▲ | $90,799 |
| 75th Percentile | $130,020▲ | $127,770 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $134,349 | $143,246▲ |
| Total Employed | 140▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Salem, OR offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tigard.
The salary gap between Salem and Tigard is $3,141 (2.86%). Salem's median is +9.34% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Salem spans $44,130,Tigard spans $63,180. Tigard has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Salem ($109,077 effective) pays 1.82% more than Tigard ($107,131 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($113,057/year)
- ✓Larger job market (140 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,077)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Tigard if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($143,246)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Salem grew 31.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 11.4% growth in Tigard over the same period.
Salem, OR
$83,160 (2019) → $109,700 (2025)
Tigard, OR
$95,760 (2024) → $106,652 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Tigard, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Salem or Tigard?
What is the hourly rate difference between Salem and Tigard?
Should I relocate from Salem to Tigard as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Salem vs Tigard?
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