What is the average salary in Salem, OR?
Salem, Oregon offers a diverse range of job opportunities with varying salary levels. Many jobs provide a good income, and the average yearly salary is around $65,380. This means that job seekers can expect competitive wages in many fields.
Jobs in Salem vary significantly in pay, with some roles offering higher salaries than others. The highest paying jobs include those in the tech and healthcare sectors. Other well-paying fields are finance, engineering, and management. Even entry-level positions often offer salaries that can support a comfortable lifestyle.
Here are some top-paying jobs in Salem:
- Software Developers: $104,539
- Registered Nurses: $92,185
- Pharmacists: $116,893
- Financial Managers: $129,247
- Electrical Engineers: $141,602
These figures show that with the right skills and experience, job seekers in Salem can find rewarding and well-paying positions.
What are the best paying jobs in Salem, OR?

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Physician
Average Salary: $244,503
These professionals diagnose and treat illnesses. They work in hospitals and private practices. Major employers include Salem Health and Kaiser Permanente.
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General Dentist
Average Salary: $225,210
Dentists provide oral care and treatment. They work in private practices and clinics. Notable employers include Willamette Dental Group and Salem Family Dental.
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Primary Care Physician
Average Salary: $202,046
They manage a patient's overall health. They work in clinics and private practices. Key employers are Oregon Health & Science University and PeaceHealth.
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Nurse Practitioner
Average Salary: $160,294
They provide primary and specialty care. They work in hospitals and clinics. Major employers include Salem Health and Providence Health & Services.
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Pharmacist
Average Salary: $157,549
They fill prescriptions and advise patients on medications. They work in pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS. Major employers include Walgreens and CVS.
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Physician Assistant
Average Salary: $138,226
They provide diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive health care services. They work in clinics and hospitals. Major employers include Salem Health and Kaiser Permanente.
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Dental Hygienist
Average Salary: $110,208
They clean teeth and provide oral health education. They work in dental practices. Notable employers include Willamette Dental Group and Salem Dental Group.
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Journeyman Electrician
Average Salary: $109,593
They install and maintain electrical systems. They work in construction and maintenance. Major employers include local construction firms and electrical service companies.
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School Psychologist
Average Salary: $108,592
They support student learning and mental health. They work in schools and educational institutions. Key employers include Salem-Keizer School District and local private schools.
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Clinical Supervisor
Average Salary: $108,188
They oversee clinical staff and ensure quality care. They work in hospitals and clinics. Major employers include Salem Health and Providence Health & Services.
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What are the best paying jobs in Salem, OR without a degree?

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Restaurant Manager
Average Salary: $56,850
Manage the daily operations of local restaurants. Oversee staff, ensure customer satisfaction, and handle finances. Work in restaurants such as The Village, Blue Sky Bistro, and other popular establishments.
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Public Works Operator
Average Salary: $54,592
Operate heavy machinery for city infrastructure projects. Maintain roads, parks, and public spaces. Collaborate with local government teams to ensure smooth city operations.
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Housekeeping
Average Salary: $43,383
Ensure cleanliness and comfort in hotels and other facilities. Perform tasks like cleaning rooms and common areas. Job available in hotels like Hotel Northwester and Keizer Station Inn.
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Groundskeeper
Average Salary: $41,067
Maintain outdoor areas of properties. Tasks include mowing, trimming, and landscaping. Work in residential areas, schools, and parks across the city.
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Landscaper
Average Salary: $39,889
Design and maintain outdoor spaces. Plant flowers, shrubs, and trees. Work on residential properties and public parks. Companies like Salem Landscape offer multiple opportunities.
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Recreation Assistant
Average Salary: $36,269
Organize recreational activities for community members. Plan events, lead fitness classes, and manage sports programs. Work in parks and community centers.
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Server Assistant
Average Salary: $35,788
Help servers and kitchen staff in restaurants. Take orders, deliver food, and clean tables. Positions available in eateries like The Village and other dining spots.
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Food Service Aide
Average Salary: $35,249
Assist in preparing and serving food. Clean dishes and kitchen areas. Work in cafes and restaurants, contributing to smooth dining experiences.
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Line Cook
Average Salary: $34,951
Prepare food items quickly and efficiently. Follow recipes and kitchen standards. Work in busy kitchens, ensuring timely meal service.
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Kitchen Team Member
Average Salary: $34,853
Support kitchen staff with various tasks. Help with food prep and cleanup. Work in cafes and restaurants, ensuring smooth kitchen operations.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Salem, OR?

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Deloitte
Average Salary: $128,734
Deloitte offers professional services in audit, tax, consulting, and financial advisory. They aim to make an impact that matters to their clients and society.
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Supplemental Health Care
Average Salary: $108,930
This company provides healthcare staffing solutions for hospitals, schools, and other facilities. They focus on providing quality care to patients.
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CVS Health
Average Salary: $107,741
CVS Health is a healthcare company that manages pharmacy benefits, health plans, and pharmacy care services. They work to improve people's health and well-being.
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Optum
Average Salary: $106,652
Optum is a health services and innovation company. They provide technology and data-driven insights to help improve healthcare delivery and outcomes.
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Amedisys
Average Salary: $105,393
Amedisys offers home health, hospice, and personal care services. They focus on providing quality care in a comfortable setting for patients.
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Gentle Dental
Average Salary: $104,622
Gentle Dental provides dental care services with a focus on patient comfort and convenience. They aim to make dental visits stress-free.
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The Stepping Stones Group
Average Salary: $102,223
The Stepping Stones Group offers educational and behavioral services for children and adults. They focus on enhancing the quality of life for their clients.
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Arrow Dental
Average Salary: $99,130
Arrow Dental provides dental services to underserved communities. They focus on ensuring that everyone has access to quality dental care.
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ProCare Therapy
Average Salary: $93,997
ProCare Therapy offers therapy services for children and adults. They focus on improving the lives of their clients through personalized therapy programs.
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United States Department of Justice
Average Salary: $92,243
The U.S. Department of Justice works to enforce the law and defend the interests of the United States. They focus on upholding justice and protecting the nation.
How does the cost of living in Salem, OR compare to the national average?

Salem, Oregon has a higher cost of living index compared to the nationwide average, which stands at 100. Housing in Salem is 28% more expensive than the national average, with an index of 128. This means that housing costs are significantly higher for those who choose to live in Salem, potentially impacting overall living expenses.
Other areas like groceries and transportation also show some increase. Groceries have a cost of living index of 103, indicating a 3% rise above the national average. Transportation costs are 9% higher at 109. Utilities and healthcare remain close to the national average, with indexes of 97 and 100, respectively. Miscellaneous expenses are also slightly higher, with an index of 102, representing a 2% increase. These differences highlight that while Salem has some areas where living costs are lower or comparable to the national average, housing and groceries are notably more expensive.



