Forest Grove vs Salem: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst 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 | $80,978 | $82,942▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $38.93 | $39.88▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,967 | $52,184▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $58,304 | $68,411▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $103,653▲ | $89,475 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $125,516▲ | $108,706 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 90▲ |
Verdict
Salem, OR offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Forest Grove.
The salary gap between Forest Grove and Salem is $1,964 (2.43%). Salem's median is +3.17% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Forest Grove spans $78,549,Salem spans $56,522. 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, Salem ($80,022 effective) pays 1.39% more than Forest Grove ($78,926 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Forest Grove if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($125,516)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($82,942/year)
- ✓Larger job market (90 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,022)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Forest Grove grew -36.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -15.3% growth in Salem over the same period.
Forest Grove, OR
$122,208 (2024) → $77,506 (2025)
Salem, OR
$93,760 (2021) → $79,386 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Forest Grove, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Forest Grove or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Forest Grove and Salem?
Should I relocate from Forest Grove to Salem as a data analyst?
What do entry-level data analysts earn in Forest Grove vs Salem?
Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.48% 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, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov