Ashland vs Salem: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Ashland, OR and Salem, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ashland, OR | Salem, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $148,917 | $168,210▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $71.60 | $80.87▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $117,061 | $134,257▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $139,040 | $144,199▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $166,747 | $177,924▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $190,629 | $203,672▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 320▲ |
Verdict
Salem, OR offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ashland.
The salary gap between Ashland and Salem is $19,293 (12.96%). Salem's median is +22.90% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ashland spans $73,568,Salem spans $69,415. Ashland 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 ($162,288 effective) pays 11.81% more than Ashland ($145,143 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ashland if…
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($168,210/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($203,672)
- ✓Larger job market (320 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $162,288)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Ashland grew 2.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 41.0% growth in Salem over the same period.
Ashland, OR
$140,040 (2024) → $143,951 (2025)
Salem, OR
$115,310 (2019) → $162,600 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ashland, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Ashland or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ashland and Salem?
Should I relocate from Ashland to Salem as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Ashland vs Salem?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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 Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov