Hillsboro vs Salem: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Hillsboro, OR and Salem, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hillsboro, OR | Salem, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $264,758▲ | $183,322 |
| Hourly Rate | $127.29▲ | $88.14 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $170,078 | $183,322▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $227,113▲ | $183,322 |
| 75th Percentile | $329,605▲ | $298,074 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $379,330▲ | $320,692 |
| Total Employed | 22 | 40▲ |
Verdict
Hillsboro, OR offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Salem.
The salary gap between Hillsboro and Salem is $81,436 (44.42%). Hillsboro's median is +6.37% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hillsboro spans $209,252,Salem spans $137,370. Hillsboro 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, Hillsboro ($258,049 effective) pays 45.90% 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 Hillsboro if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($264,758/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($379,330)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $258,049)
- ✓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 Hillsboro grew 1.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -28.8% growth in Salem over the same period.
Hillsboro, OR
$249,064 (2024) → $251,671 (2025)
Salem, OR
$244,797 (2024) → $174,260 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hillsboro, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Hillsboro or Salem?
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Should I relocate from Hillsboro to Salem as a nurse anesthetist?
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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