Pendleton vs Salem: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Pendleton, OR and Salem, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Pendleton, OR | Salem, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $89,074▲ | $86,900 |
| Hourly Rate | $42.82▲ | $41.78 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,862 | $64,516▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $70,703 | $81,572▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $111,416▲ | $98,154 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $123,806▲ | $112,696 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 510▲ |
Verdict
Pendleton, OR offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Salem.
The salary gap between Pendleton and Salem is $2,174 (2.50%). Pendleton's median is +13.41% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pendleton spans $64,944,Salem spans $48,180. Pendleton 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, Pendleton ($86,817 effective) pays 3.55% more than Salem ($83,841 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Pendleton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($89,074/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($123,806)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $86,817)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Larger job market (510 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Pendleton grew 6.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.1% growth in Salem over the same period.
Pendleton, OR
$80,821 (2024) → $86,429 (2025)
Salem, OR
$74,580 (2019) → $84,320 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pendleton, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Pendleton or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Pendleton and Salem?
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Written by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in law enforcement. They specialize in community policing strategies. Jordan works with a municipal police department.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% 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 Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice, a licensed police officer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov