What is the average salary in Salem, OR?
In Salem, OR, salaries vary across different job categories. The average yearly salary stands at 66,156 dollars. Many positions offer competitive pay, attracting professionals seeking stable income.
Here are some salary ranges based on different sectors:
- Lower-paying jobs earn around 30,700 dollars yearly.
- Mid-level positions can earn between 55,356 to 67,685 dollars.
- Higher-paying jobs reach up to 166,310 dollars annually.
What are the best paying jobs in Salem, OR?

-
Physician
Average Salary: $257,937
These professionals diagnose and treat illnesses. They work in hospitals and private practices. Notable employers include Salem Health and Tuality Healthcare.
Find Physician jobs in Salem, OR
-
General Dentist
Average Salary: $240,389
Dentists focus on oral health. They clean teeth, perform exams, and fix problems. Many dentists have their own practice, while some work for clinics or schools.
Find General Dentist jobs in Salem, OR
-
Pharmacist
Average Salary: $158,214
These experts dispense medications. They ensure patients get the right medicine. Employers include local pharmacies and major chains.
Find Pharmacist jobs in Salem, OR
-
Nurse Practitioner
Average Salary: $154,334
Nurse Practitioners provide primary and specialty care. They diagnose illnesses and prescribe treatments. They work in hospitals and clinics, such as those run by Kaiser Permanente.
Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Salem, OR
-
Physician Assistant
Average Salary: $137,834
They perform many duties of a doctor. Their tasks include seeing patients and assisting in surgeries. They often work in hospitals or large medical practices.
Find Physician Assistant jobs in Salem, OR
-
Software Engineer
Average Salary: $114,008
They design and develop software. They write code and fix bugs. Companies like Intel and Avnet employ software engineers.
Find Software Engineer jobs in Salem, OR
-
Dental Hygienist
Average Salary: $111,246
They clean teeth and educate patients on oral hygiene. They work in dental offices, often alongside dentists. Common employers include private practices and school districts.
Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Salem, OR
-
Clinical Supervisor
Average Salary: $109,668
These supervisors manage clinical staff. They ensure patient care is high quality. They work in hospitals and long-term care facilities.
Find Clinical Supervisor jobs in Salem, OR
-
School Psychologist
Average Salary: $109,364
They support students’ mental health. They work with teachers and parents to help students succeed. They usually work for public and private schools.
Find School Psychologist jobs in Salem, OR
-
Speech Language Pathologist
Average Salary: $108,965
They help people with speech and language problems. They work in schools, hospitals, and clinics. Notable employers include Salem Health and local school districts.
Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Salem, OR
What are the best paying jobs in Salem, OR without a degree?

-
Float Operator
Average Salary: $96,636
This role involves driving various types of equipment. Tasks range from maintaining grounds to supporting construction. It’s a good fit for those who enjoy being outdoors. Companies in Salem, such as local parks, often hire for this position.
Find Float Operator jobs in Salem, OR
-
Housekeeping
Average Salary: $45,991
In this job, someone ensures cleanliness and order in buildings. Duties include vacuuming, changing linens, and restocking supplies. It’s ideal for people who enjoy routine and detail-oriented tasks. Many hotels and motels in Salem offer these positions.
Find Housekeeping jobs in Salem, OR
-
Groundskeeper
Average Salary: $41,297
This role involves maintaining the appearance of parks and green spaces. Tasks include mowing lawns, trimming hedges, and planting flowers. It suits those who love gardening and working outside. Parks departments and landscaping companies look for candidates regularly.
Find Groundskeeper jobs in Salem, OR
-
Landscaper
Average Salary: $40,081
Landscapers design and maintain outdoor areas. They plant trees, flowers, and shrubs. This job is perfect for someone who enjoys working with plants. Local gardening centers and landscaping firms hire often.
Find Landscaper jobs in Salem, OR
-
Recreation Assistant
Average Salary: $36,607
This position helps organize activities for people of all ages. Duties include planning events and supervising games. It’s a great choice for those who love sports and helping others. Community centers and recreation facilities often post these jobs.
Find Recreation Assistant jobs in Salem, OR
-
Food Service Aide
Average Salary: $36,361
This role involves preparing food and assisting kitchen staff. Tasks include washing dishes and setting up food stations. It’s a good fit for those who enjoy a busy, hands-on environment. Cafes and eateries hire frequently.
Find Food Service Aide jobs in Salem, OR
-
Line Cook
Average Salary: $35,683
In this role, someone prepares meals in a fast-paced kitchen. Duties include chopping ingredients and cooking to order. It’s ideal for those who enjoy cooking and working quickly. Restaurants need these positions regularly.
Find Line Cook jobs in Salem, OR
-
Server Assistant
Average Salary: $34,971
This role involves helping servers and bussing tables. Duties include clearing dishes and refilling water. It’s a good fit for those who enjoy serving others and working in a busy environment. Many restaurants look for server assistants.
Find Server Assistant jobs in Salem, OR
-
Server
Average Salary: $33,409
Servers take orders and serve food and drinks. Duties include greeting customers and ensuring they have what they need. It’s perfect for those who enjoy interacting with people. Cafes and dining establishments often hire servers.
Find Server jobs in Salem, OR
-
Barista
Average Salary: $33,268
This position involves making coffee and other beverages. Tasks include using espresso machines and creating specialty drinks. It’s ideal for those who love coffee and want to work in a lively setting. Many coffee shops hire baristas.
Find Barista jobs in Salem, OR
Which companies offer the top salaries in Salem, OR?

-
Amergis Healthcare Staffing
Average Salary: $118,824
Amergis Healthcare Staffing helps people find good healthcare jobs. They pay their employees well and offer good benefits.
-
Kaiser Permanente
Average Salary: $110,347
Kaiser Permanente is a big healthcare company. They focus on patient care and pay their staff competitive salaries.
-
Ampersand Therapy
Average Salary: $109,267
Ampersand Therapy works with many healthcare facilities. They offer good pay and help their employees grow.
-
CVS Health
Average Salary: $107,815
CVS Health is a large pharmacy company. They offer solid pay and benefits to their workers.
-
Supplemental Health Care
Average Salary: $107,484
Supplemental Health Care is known for helping people find jobs in healthcare. They pay their staff well.
-
Amedisys
Average Salary: $106,532
Amedisys provides home health care. They are known for their good pay and caring work environment.
-
Mission Healthcare
Average Salary: $101,516
Mission Healthcare offers healthcare services. They pay their employees well and offer good benefits.
-
U.S. Department of Justice
Average Salary: $91,762
The U.S. Department of Justice works to uphold the law. They offer competitive pay for their staff.
-
Oregon Health Authority
Average Salary: $90,362
The Oregon Health Authority works to improve health for people in Oregon. They offer good pay and benefits.
-
Oregon Youth Authority
Average Salary: $90,350
The Oregon Youth Authority works with young people in trouble. They offer fair pay and opportunities for growth.
How does the cost of living in Salem, OR compare to the national average?

The cost of living index in Salem, Oregon, reveals some variations when compared to the nationwide average. Housing costs in Salem stand at 115, indicating that job seekers should budget 15% more for housing here than in areas with the national average. This higher cost reflects the local real estate market and the demand for housing in Salem.
Other categories also exhibit differences. Transportation costs are slightly higher at 105, meaning expenses for commuting and vehicle maintenance are about 5% above the national average. Utilities, however, are 5% lower at 95, offering some relief for residents. Groceries in Salem are right on par with the national average at 100, while healthcare costs are 10% lower at 90. Miscellaneous expenses, including entertainment and personal care, are also higher at 110, requiring an additional 10% in budgeting.



