Beaverton vs Salem: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer 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 | $131,089 | $163,405▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $63.02 | $78.57▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,031 | $82,975▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $94,384 | $106,511▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $167,793 | $216,520▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $203,187 | $236,025▲ |
| Total Employed | 14 | 780▲ |
Verdict
Salem, OR offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Beaverton.
The salary gap between Beaverton and Salem is $32,316 (24.65%). Salem's median is -2.25% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Beaverton spans $127,156,Salem spans $153,050. Salem has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced lawyers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Salem ($157,652 effective) pays 23.39% more than Beaverton ($127,767 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Beaverton if…
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($163,405/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($236,025)
- ✓Larger job market (780 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $157,652)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Beaverton grew -11.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 34.3% growth in Salem over the same period.
Beaverton, OR
$140,750 (2024) → $125,204 (2025)
Salem, OR
$116,190 (2019) → $156,070 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Beaverton, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Alexandra Chen, JD
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in corporate law. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions. Alexandra works at a mid-sized law firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.70% 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 Alexandra Chen, JD, a licensed lawyer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov