Salem vs The Dalles: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse 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 | $84,137▲ | $77,983 |
| Hourly Rate | $40.45▲ | $37.49 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,149▲ | $65,749 |
| 25th Percentile | $71,950 | $74,365▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $87,298 | $91,247▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $100,806▲ | $97,363 |
| Total Employed | 660▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Salem, OR offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to The Dalles.
The salary gap between Salem and The Dalles is $6,154 (7.89%). Salem's median is +23.60% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Salem spans $31,657,The Dalles spans $31,614. Salem 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 ($81,175 effective) pays 6.80% more than The Dalles ($76,007 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($84,137/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($100,806)
- ✓Larger job market (660 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $81,175)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose The Dalles if…
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Salem grew 43.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.1% growth in The Dalles over the same period.
Salem, OR
$55,370 (2019) → $79,600 (2025)
The Dalles, OR
$64,661 (2024) → $73,778 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
The Dalles, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses 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 licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Salem vs The Dalles?
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