Medford vs Salem: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Medford, OR and Salem, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Medford, OR | Salem, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,019 | $82,942▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $38.95 | $39.88▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,038 | $52,184▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $58,473 | $68,411▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $103,705▲ | $89,475 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $125,580▲ | $108,706 |
| Total Employed | 22 | 90▲ |
Verdict
Salem, OR offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Medford.
The salary gap between Medford and Salem is $1,923 (2.37%). 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 Medford spans $78,542,Salem spans $56,522. Medford 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 1.34% more than Medford ($78,966 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Medford if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($125,580)
- ✓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 Medford grew -25.0% from 2023 to 2025, compared to -15.3% growth in Salem over the same period.
Medford, OR
$103,440 (2023) → $77,545 (2025)
Salem, OR
$93,760 (2021) → $79,386 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Medford, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Medford or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Medford and Salem?
Should I relocate from Medford to Salem as a data analyst?
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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