Beaverton vs Salem: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Beaverton, OR and Salem, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Beaverton, OR | Salem, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $112,387 | $113,057▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $54.03 | $54.35▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,960 | $90,219▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $89,076 | $101,370▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $129,261 | $130,020▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $151,736▲ | $134,349 |
| Total Employed | 14 | 140▲ |
Verdict
Salem, OR offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Beaverton.
The salary gap between Beaverton and Salem is $670 (0.60%). Salem's median is +9.34% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Beaverton spans $74,776,Salem spans $44,130. Beaverton 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, Beaverton ($109,539 effective) pays 0.42% more than Salem ($109,077 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Beaverton if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($151,736)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,539)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($113,057/year)
- ✓Larger job market (140 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Beaverton grew 11.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.9% growth in Salem over the same period.
Beaverton, OR
$97,913 (2024) → $109,050 (2025)
Salem, OR
$83,160 (2019) → $109,700 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Beaverton, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Beaverton or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Beaverton and Salem?
Should I relocate from Beaverton to Salem as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Beaverton vs Salem?
Written by Jordan Miller, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in occupational therapy. They specialize in pediatrics and work in a rehabilitation clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% 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 Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov