Happy Valley vs Salem: Radiologist Salary (2026)
Compare radiologist salaries between Happy Valley, OR and Salem, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Happy Valley, OR | Salem, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $530,738 | $566,609▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $255.16 | $272.41▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $307,829 | $328,633▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $382,132 | $407,959▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $605,959 | $703,766▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $728,370 | $836,287▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 44▲ |
Verdict
Salem, OR offers better overall compensation for radiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Happy Valley.
The salary gap between Happy Valley and Salem is $35,871 (6.76%). Salem's median is +28.22% compared to the US national median of $441,903.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Happy Valley spans $420,541,Salem spans $507,654. Salem has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced radiologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Salem ($552,250 effective) pays 6.76% more than Happy Valley ($517,288 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Happy Valley if…
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($566,609/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($836,287)
- ✓Larger job market (44 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $552,250)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologist salaries in Happy Valley grew 34.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 34.6% growth in Salem over the same period.
Happy Valley, OR
$375,661 (2024) → $505,465 (2025)
Salem, OR
$401,051 (2024) → $539,628 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Happy Valley, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays radiologists more: Happy Valley or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Happy Valley and Salem?
Should I relocate from Happy Valley to Salem as a radiologist?
What do entry-level radiologists earn in Happy Valley vs Salem?
Written by Dr. Maria Chen, MD
Career Analyst
Dr. Chen has 10 years of experience in diagnostic radiology. She specializes in imaging techniques for oncology. She works at a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.00% 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 Dr. Maria Chen, MD, a licensed radiologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov