Salem vs The Dalles: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Salem, OR and The Dalles, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Salem, OR | The Dalles, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $183,322 | $236,672▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $88.14 | $113.78▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $183,322▲ | $170,293 |
| 25th Percentile | $183,322 | $215,350▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $298,074▲ | $291,506 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $320,692 | $326,484▲ |
| Total Employed | 40▲ | 6 |
Verdict
The Dalles, OR offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Salem.
The salary gap between Salem and The Dalles is $53,350 (29.10%). The Dalles's median is -4.91% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Salem spans $137,370,The Dalles spans $156,191. The Dalles has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse anesthetists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, The Dalles ($230,674 effective) pays 30.42% 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 Salem if…
- ✓Larger job market (40 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose The Dalles if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($236,672/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($326,484)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $230,674)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Salem grew -28.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 0.7% growth in The Dalles over the same period.
Salem, OR
$244,797 (2024) → $174,260 (2025)
The Dalles, OR
$223,461 (2024) → $224,973 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
The Dalles, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Salem or The Dalles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Salem and The Dalles?
Should I relocate from Salem to The Dalles as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Salem vs The Dalles?
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