Hillsboro vs Salem: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Hillsboro, OR and Salem, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hillsboro, OR | Salem, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $166,332▲ | $163,405 |
| Hourly Rate | $79.97▲ | $78.57 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $96,473▲ | $82,975 |
| 25th Percentile | $119,759▲ | $106,511 |
| 75th Percentile | $212,904 | $216,520▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $257,814▲ | $236,025 |
| Total Employed | 22 | 780▲ |
Verdict
Hillsboro, OR offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Salem.
The salary gap between Hillsboro and Salem is $2,927 (1.79%). Hillsboro's median is -0.50% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hillsboro spans $161,341,Salem spans $153,050. Hillsboro 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, Hillsboro ($162,117 effective) pays 2.83% more than Salem ($157,652 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hillsboro if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($166,332/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($257,814)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $162,117)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Larger job market (780 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Hillsboro grew 8.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 34.3% growth in Salem over the same period.
Hillsboro, OR
$146,259 (2024) → $158,865 (2025)
Salem, OR
$116,190 (2019) → $156,070 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hillsboro, 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