Pendleton vs Salem: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Pendleton, OR and Salem, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Pendleton, OR | Salem, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $245,313▲ | $183,322 |
| Hourly Rate | $117.94▲ | $88.14 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $170,664 | $183,322▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $218,961▲ | $183,322 |
| 75th Percentile | $298,154▲ | $298,074 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $323,535▲ | $320,692 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 40▲ |
Verdict
Pendleton, OR offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Salem.
The salary gap between Pendleton and Salem is $61,991 (33.82%). Pendleton's median is -1.44% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pendleton spans $152,871,Salem spans $137,370. Pendleton 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, Pendleton ($239,096 effective) pays 35.18% 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 Pendleton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($245,313/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($323,535)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $239,096)
- ✓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 Pendleton grew 0.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -28.8% growth in Salem over the same period.
Pendleton, OR
$231,620 (2024) → $233,187 (2025)
Salem, OR
$244,797 (2024) → $174,260 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pendleton, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Pendleton or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Pendleton and Salem?
Should I relocate from Pendleton to Salem as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Pendleton 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