Milwaukie vs Salem: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Milwaukie, OR and Salem, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Milwaukie, OR | Salem, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $234,694▲ | $183,322 |
| Hourly Rate | $112.84▲ | $88.14 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $165,577 | $183,322▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $211,156▲ | $183,322 |
| 75th Percentile | $286,733 | $298,074▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $319,978 | $320,692▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 40▲ |
Verdict
Milwaukie and Salem are closely matched on overall nurse anesthetist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Milwaukie and Salem is $51,372 (28.02%). Milwaukie's median is -5.70% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Milwaukie spans $154,401,Salem spans $137,370. Milwaukie 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, Milwaukie ($228,747 effective) pays 29.33% 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 Milwaukie if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($234,694/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $228,747)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($320,692)
- ✓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 Milwaukie grew 0.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -28.8% growth in Salem over the same period.
Milwaukie, OR
$221,594 (2024) → $223,093 (2025)
Salem, OR
$244,797 (2024) → $174,260 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Milwaukie, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Milwaukie or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Milwaukie and Salem?
Should I relocate from Milwaukie to Salem as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Milwaukie 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