What is the average salary in Salem, OR?
Salem, OR, provides a variety of job opportunities with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary stands at $65,173, offering a solid foundation for many residents. Salaries range from $30,400 for entry-level positions to $167,500 for top-tier roles.
In Salem, the distribution of salaries varies across different industries. The largest percentage, 27.85%, falls between $30,400 and $42,864. About 21.17% earn between $42,864 and $55,327, while 11.81% make between $55,327 and $67,791. Smaller percentages earn more, with only 1.00% surpassing $155,036 yearly. These figures highlight the earning potential across various job sectors in Salem.
What are the best paying jobs in Salem, OR?

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Physician
Average Salary: $243,812
Physicians diagnose and treat illnesses in patients. They work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. They often collaborate with surgeons, specialists, and other healthcare professionals.
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General Dentist
Average Salary: $227,483
Dentists diagnose and treat oral health issues. They perform procedures such as cleanings, fillings, and extractions. They often work in dental clinics and may also offer emergency care.
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Primary Care Physician
Average Salary: $202,790
Primary care physicians provide ongoing care for patients. They manage chronic conditions and offer preventive care. They often work in clinics and may have their own practices.
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Nurse Practitioner
Average Salary: $160,253
Nurse practitioners deliver primary and specialty care. They perform physical exams and prescribe medications. They often work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices.
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Pharmacist
Average Salary: $157,283
Pharmacists prepare and dispense medications. They advise patients on proper use and side effects. They work in pharmacies and some hospitals.
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Physician Assistant
Average Salary: $139,031
Physician assistants examine and treat patients. They often work under the supervision of a physician. They see patients in various settings, including clinics and hospitals.
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Traveling Nurse
Average Salary: $111,565
Traveling nurses provide care in different locations. They work on short-term contracts. They often find jobs in hospitals and clinics across the country.
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Journeyman Electrician
Average Salary: $110,726
Electricians install and maintain electrical systems. They work on wiring, lighting, and appliances. They often serve residential and commercial clients.
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Dental Hygienist
Average Salary: $109,956
Dental hygienists clean patients' teeth. They take X-rays and educate patients on oral care. They work in dental clinics alongside dentists.
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Electrician
Average Salary: $109,670
Electricians install and repair electrical systems. They ensure safety and compliance with codes. They work in homes, businesses, and on construction sites.
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What are the best paying jobs in Salem, OR without a degree?

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Restaurant Manager
Average Salary: $57,306
Manage day-to-day operations in a local restaurant. Oversee staff, maintain cleanliness, and ensure a pleasant dining experience. Roles can be found in establishments like The Village Pantry and Country's Restaurant.
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Public Works Operator
Average Salary: $54,592
Operate heavy machinery and equipment in public works. Maintain city infrastructure and improve public spaces. Opportunities exist with local government departments.
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Housekeeping
Average Salary: $42,490
Clean and maintain rooms in hotels, motels, or other lodging facilities. Ensure a tidy and welcoming environment for guests. Work in hotels like Holiday Inn Express and Hampton Inn.
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Groundskeeper
Average Salary: $41,329
Maintain park areas and public spaces. Perform landscaping tasks such as mowing lawns, trimming bushes, and cleaning. Opportunities can be found with local parks and recreation departments.
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Landscaper
Average Salary: $39,538
Create and maintain landscapes for residential and commercial properties. Plant flowers, trees, and shrubs. Work for companies like Salem Landscape Supply.
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Recreation Assistant
Average Salary: $36,269
Assist in the planning and execution of recreational activities. Work in community centers, parks, and recreation facilities. Engage with the public to ensure enjoyable experiences.
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Server Assistant
Average Salary: $35,565
Support servers in a busy dining environment. Take orders, serve food and drinks, and ensure customer satisfaction. Positions available in restaurants such as The Melting Pot and Chili's.
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Line Cook
Average Salary: $34,941
Prepare food items in a fast-paced kitchen. Work quickly and efficiently to meet service demands. Opportunities can be found in restaurants like The Melting Pot and P.F. Chang's.
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Service Team Member
Average Salary: $34,856
Serve guests in a variety of establishments. Provide excellent customer service, take orders, and ensure a positive dining experience. Work in places like Panera Bread and Starbucks.
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Server
Average Salary: $34,605
Take orders and serve food and beverages to customers. Ensure a welcoming atmosphere. Opportunities exist in family-style restaurants like The Village Pantry and casual dining spots like The Melting Pot.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Salem, OR?

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Deloitte
Average Salary: $128,097
Deloitte offers a range of professional services, including consulting, technology, and financial advisory. Known for its strong culture and opportunities for growth, Deloitte often pays top dollar for skilled professionals.
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Supplemental Health Care
Average Salary: $108,923
Supplemental Health Care specializes in healthcare staffing and provides services to hospitals and other medical facilities. With a focus on quality care, this company offers competitive salaries to attract top talent.
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CVS Health
Average Salary: $107,776
CVS Health is a leading health solutions company, offering a variety of healthcare services and products. The company values its employees and provides attractive compensation packages.
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Optum
Average Salary: $106,340
Optum is a health services and innovation company, focusing on improving healthcare delivery. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, Optum offers competitive salaries and benefits.
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Amedisys
Average Salary: $104,763
Amedisys provides home health, hospice, and palliative care services. The company values its team members and offers good compensation for its employees.
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Gentle Dental
Average Salary: $103,107
Gentle Dental offers a variety of dental services, aiming to provide a positive patient experience. The company provides competitive salaries and a supportive work environment.
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The Stepping Stones Group
Average Salary: $102,041
The Stepping Stones Group is a leading provider of healthcare staffing solutions. Known for its dedicated approach, the company offers good compensation for its healthcare professionals.
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Arrow Dental
Average Salary: $98,561
Arrow Dental specializes in providing dental services to patients. The company values its employees and offers a stable work environment with good compensation.
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ProCare Therapy
Average Salary: $94,002
ProCare Therapy offers therapy services to healthcare facilities. The company provides competitive salaries and a supportive work culture for its therapists.
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Department of Administrative Services
Average Salary: $91,200
The Department of Administrative Services manages various administrative functions for the state of Oregon. The department offers stable employment and competitive salaries for its employees.
How does the cost of living in Salem, OR compare to the national average?

Salem, Oregon, offers a cost of living that is relatively lower than the nationwide average, which is set at 100. For housing, Salem residents enjoy a cost of living that is 92% of the national average. This means that expenses like rent or mortgage payments are slightly below the national average. People in Salem can save about 8% on housing costs compared to the average American.
In addition, Salem's groceries are priced at 96% of the national average. This indicates that buying food items is slightly cheaper than the national average. Salem residents can expect to spend about 4% less on groceries. Utilities, which include electricity, gas, and other services, are at 98% of the national average. This means costs are very close to the national average. Healthcare costs in Salem match the nationwide average at 100%. This suggests that medical expenses are consistent with the rest of the country. Finally, miscellaneous costs, such as entertainment and personal care, are at 94% of the national average. This indicates a 6% saving on these expenses compared to the national average. Overall, Salem offers a cost of living that is slightly below the national average, with notable savings in housing and miscellaneous expenses.



