Forest Grove vs Salem: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Forest Grove, OR and Salem, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Forest Grove, OR | Salem, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $249,318▲ | $183,322 |
| Hourly Rate | $119.86▲ | $88.14 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $162,000 | $183,322▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $214,378▲ | $183,322 |
| 75th Percentile | $303,080▲ | $298,074 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $341,285▲ | $320,692 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 40▲ |
Verdict
Forest Grove, OR offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Salem.
The salary gap between Forest Grove and Salem is $65,996 (36.00%). Forest Grove's median is +0.17% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Forest Grove spans $179,285,Salem spans $137,370. Forest Grove 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, Forest Grove ($243,000 effective) pays 37.39% more than Salem ($176,868 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Forest Grove if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($249,318/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($341,285)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $243,000)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Larger job market (40 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Forest Grove grew 0.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -28.8% growth in Salem over the same period.
Forest Grove, OR
$235,402 (2024) → $236,994 (2025)
Salem, OR
$244,797 (2024) → $174,260 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Forest Grove, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Forest Grove or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Forest Grove and Salem?
Should I relocate from Forest Grove to Salem as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Forest Grove vs Salem?
Written by Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA
Career Analyst
Alexandra Johnson has 10 years of experience as a nurse anesthetist. She specializes in anesthesia for orthopedic surgeries. She works in a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.20% 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 Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA, a licensed nurse anesthetist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov