Gresham vs Salem: Insurance Agent Salary (2026)
Compare insurance agent salaries between Gresham, OR and Salem, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gresham, OR | Salem, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,626▲ | $62,295 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.07▲ | $29.95 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,482 | $45,688▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $46,937▲ | $45,802 |
| 75th Percentile | $82,720 | $96,503▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $100,170 | $130,091▲ |
| Total Employed | 21 | 380▲ |
Verdict
Gresham and Salem are closely matched on overall insurance agent compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Gresham and Salem is $2,331 (3.74%). Gresham's median is +0.16% compared to the US national median of $64,522.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gresham spans $62,688,Salem spans $84,403. Salem has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced insurance agents.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Gresham ($62,988 effective) pays 4.80% more than Salem ($60,102 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Gresham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,626/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,988)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($130,091)
- ✓Larger job market (380 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, insurance agent salaries in Gresham grew -4.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 39.5% growth in Salem over the same period.
Gresham, OR
$65,088 (2024) → $62,380 (2025)
Salem, OR
$43,100 (2019) → $60,130 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gresham, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays insurance agents more: Gresham or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Gresham and Salem?
Should I relocate from Gresham to Salem as a insurance agent?
What do entry-level insurance agents earn in Gresham vs Salem?
Written by Jordan Lee, MBA
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 10 years of experience in the insurance industry. He specializes in property and casualty insurance. He has worked in both agency and corporate settings.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.60% 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, MBA, a licensed insurance agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov