Salem vs Tualatin: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Salem, OR and Tualatin, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Salem, OR | Tualatin, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $183,322 | $245,335▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $88.14 | $117.95▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $183,322▲ | $172,879 |
| 25th Percentile | $183,322 | $221,093▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $298,074▲ | $293,762 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $320,692 | $351,368▲ |
| Total Employed | 40▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Tualatin, OR offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Salem.
The salary gap between Salem and Tualatin is $62,013 (33.83%). Tualatin's median is -1.43% 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,Tualatin spans $178,489. Tualatin 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, Tualatin ($239,118 effective) pays 35.20% 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 Tualatin if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($245,335/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($351,368)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $239,118)
- ✓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 Tualatin over the same period.
Salem, OR
$244,797 (2024) → $174,260 (2025)
Tualatin, OR
$231,641 (2024) → $233,208 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Tualatin, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Salem or Tualatin?
What is the hourly rate difference between Salem and Tualatin?
Should I relocate from Salem to Tualatin as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Salem vs Tualatin?
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