Oregon City vs Salem: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)
Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Oregon City, OR and Salem, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Oregon City, OR | Salem, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $74,529 | $75,543▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $35.83 | $36.32▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,374▲ | $48,036 |
| 25th Percentile | $67,530▲ | $59,578 |
| 75th Percentile | $92,393 | $92,558▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $115,520▲ | $96,799 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 1,120▲ |
Verdict
Salem, OR offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Oregon City.
The salary gap between Oregon City and Salem is $1,014 (1.36%). Salem's median is +16.95% compared to the US national median of $64,597.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Oregon City spans $58,146,Salem spans $48,763. Oregon City 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, Salem ($72,883 effective) pays 0.33% more than Oregon City ($72,640 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Oregon City if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($115,520)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($75,543/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,883)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Oregon City grew -6.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 16.2% growth in Salem over the same period.
Oregon City, OR
$79,245 (2024) → $73,806 (2025)
Salem, OR
$64,380 (2019) → $74,810 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Oregon City, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Oregon City or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Oregon City and Salem?
Should I relocate from Oregon City to Salem as a elementary school teacher?
What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Oregon City vs Salem?
Written by Jordan Lee, M.Ed.
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in elementary education. They focus on curriculum development and teaching methodologies. Their experience includes working in public schools.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 0.98% 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 Jordan Lee, M.Ed., a licensed elementary school teacher with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov