Salem vs The Dalles: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist 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 | $106,444▲ | $99,669 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.17▲ | $47.92 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,207▲ | $70,283 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,996▲ | $82,510 |
| 75th Percentile | $129,551▲ | $115,659 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $140,782▲ | $131,480 |
| Total Employed | 120▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Salem, OR offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to The Dalles.
The salary gap between Salem and The Dalles is $6,775 (6.80%). Salem's median is +4.59% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Salem spans $60,575,The Dalles spans $61,197. The Dalles has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced speech-language pathologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Salem ($102,697 effective) pays 5.72% more than The Dalles ($97,143 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 ($106,444/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($140,782)
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,697)
- ✓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, speech-language pathologist salaries in Salem grew 30.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.6% growth in The Dalles over the same period.
Salem, OR
$78,410 (2019) → $102,360 (2025)
The Dalles, OR
$87,483 (2024) → $95,845 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
The Dalles, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists 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 speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Salem vs The Dalles?
Written by Jordan Lee, CCC-SLP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 8 years of experience in speech-language pathology. He specializes in pediatric language disorders. He works in a community health clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.99% 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, CCC-SLP, a licensed speech-language pathologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov