Lake Oswego vs Salem: Plumber Salary (2026)
Compare plumber salaries between Lake Oswego, OR and Salem, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lake Oswego, OR | Salem, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,920▲ | $82,641 |
| Hourly Rate | $40.82▲ | $39.74 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,683▲ | $49,548 |
| 25th Percentile | $65,782▲ | $62,742 |
| 75th Percentile | $108,698▲ | $98,030 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $131,626▲ | $100,162 |
| Total Employed | 8 | 440▲ |
Verdict
Lake Oswego, OR offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Salem.
The salary gap between Lake Oswego and Salem is $2,279 (2.76%). Lake Oswego's median is +29.83% compared to the US national median of $65,408.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lake Oswego spans $72,943,Salem spans $50,614. Lake Oswego 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, Lake Oswego ($82,768 effective) pays 3.81% more than Salem ($79,732 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lake Oswego if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($84,920/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($131,626)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $82,768)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Larger job market (440 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Lake Oswego grew 5.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.8% growth in Salem over the same period.
Lake Oswego, OR
$78,338 (2024) → $82,833 (2025)
Salem, OR
$68,430 (2019) → $80,610 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lake Oswego, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays plumbers more: Lake Oswego or Salem?
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Written by Samuel Torres, CWP
Career Analyst
Samuel Torres has 10 years of experience in plumbing. He specializes in residential plumbing systems. He has worked with several home improvement companies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.52% 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 Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov