Milwaukie vs Salem: Plumber Salary (2026)
Compare plumber salaries between Milwaukie, OR and Salem, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Milwaukie, OR | Salem, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $79,731 | $82,641▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $38.33 | $39.74▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,287▲ | $49,548 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,571▲ | $62,742 |
| 75th Percentile | $102,056▲ | $98,030 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $123,583▲ | $100,162 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 440▲ |
Verdict
Salem, OR offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Milwaukie.
The salary gap between Milwaukie and Salem is $2,910 (3.65%). Salem's median is +26.35% compared to the US national median of $65,408.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Milwaukie spans $64,296,Salem spans $50,614. Milwaukie 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 ($79,732 effective) pays 2.60% more than Milwaukie ($77,711 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Milwaukie if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($123,583)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($82,641/year)
- ✓Larger job market (440 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $79,732)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Milwaukie grew 5.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.8% growth in Salem over the same period.
Milwaukie, OR
$73,550 (2024) → $77,771 (2025)
Salem, OR
$68,430 (2019) → $80,610 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Milwaukie, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays plumbers more: Milwaukie or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Milwaukie and Salem?
Should I relocate from Milwaukie to Salem as a plumber?
What do entry-level plumbers earn in Milwaukie vs 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