Bend vs Salem: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Bend, OR and Salem, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bend, OR | Salem, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $88,006▲ | $84,137 |
| Hourly Rate | $42.31▲ | $40.45 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,970 | $69,149▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $79,074▲ | $71,950 |
| 75th Percentile | $97,212▲ | $87,298 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,174▲ | $100,806 |
| Total Employed | 150 | 660▲ |
Verdict
Bend, OR offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Salem.
The salary gap between Bend and Salem is $3,869 (4.60%). Bend's median is +29.29% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bend spans $39,204,Salem spans $31,657. Bend 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, Bend ($84,942 effective) pays 4.64% more than Salem ($81,175 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bend if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($88,006/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,174)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $84,942)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Larger job market (660 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Bend grew 58.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 43.8% growth in Salem over the same period.
Bend, OR
$52,430 (2019) → $83,260 (2025)
Salem, OR
$55,370 (2019) → $79,600 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Bend or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bend and Salem?
Should I relocate from Bend to Salem as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Bend vs Salem?
Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% 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 Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov