Forest Grove vs Salem: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Forest Grove, OR and Salem, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Forest Grove, OR | Salem, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $140,853▲ | $138,574 |
| Hourly Rate | $67.72▲ | $66.63 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,695 | $108,252▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $110,712 | $134,250▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $166,360▲ | $149,086 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $199,020▲ | $163,820 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 60▲ |
Verdict
Forest Grove, OR offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Salem.
The salary gap between Forest Grove and Salem is $2,279 (1.64%). Forest Grove's median is +0.17% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Forest Grove spans $117,325,Salem spans $55,568. Forest Grove 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, Forest Grove ($137,284 effective) pays 2.68% more than Salem ($133,695 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Forest Grove if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($140,853/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($199,020)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $137,284)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Forest Grove grew -1.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.4% growth in Salem over the same period.
Forest Grove, OR
$138,236 (2024) → $136,804 (2025)
Salem, OR
$110,870 (2019) → $134,590 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Forest Grove, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Aisha Patel, OD
Career Analyst
Aisha Patel has 10 years of experience in optometry. She specializes in pediatric vision care. Aisha works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.96% 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 Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov