Forest Grove vs Salem: Dialysis Technician Salary (2026)
Compare dialysis technician 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 | $51,121 | $51,324▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.58 | $24.67▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,644 | $40,699▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $44,192▲ | $42,212 |
| 75th Percentile | $63,919▲ | $57,281 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,238▲ | $72,268 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 160▲ |
Verdict
Salem, OR offers better overall compensation for dialysis technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Forest Grove.
The salary gap between Forest Grove and Salem is $203 (0.40%). Salem's median is +13.24% compared to the US national median of $45,322.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Forest Grove spans $40,594,Salem spans $31,569. 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 ($49,826 effective) pays 0.62% more than Salem ($49,517 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 ($79,238)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,826)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($51,324/year)
- ✓Larger job market (160 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dialysis technician salaries in Forest Grove grew -11.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -14.7% growth in Salem over the same period.
Forest Grove, OR
$56,096 (2024) → $49,918 (2025)
Salem, OR
$58,740 (2021) → $50,116 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Forest Grove, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dialysis technicians 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 dialysis technician?
What do entry-level dialysis technicians earn in Forest Grove vs Salem?
Written by Jessica Tran, CCRN
Career Analyst
Jessica has over 10 years as a dialysis technician. She specializes in chronic kidney disease management. She works at a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.41% 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 Jessica Tran, CCRN, a licensed dialysis technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov