Eugene vs The Dalles: Paralegal Salary (2026)
Compare paralegal salaries between Eugene, OR and The Dalles, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Eugene, OR | The Dalles, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,318▲ | $54,888 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.04▲ | $26.38 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,350▲ | $42,718 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,051▲ | $45,791 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,059▲ | $69,159 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,226 | $84,951▲ |
| Total Employed | 280▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Eugene, OR offers better overall compensation for paralegals, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to The Dalles.
The salary gap between Eugene and The Dalles is $3,430 (6.25%). Eugene's median is -10.41% compared to the US national median of $65,097.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Eugene spans $35,876,The Dalles spans $42,233. The Dalles has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced paralegals.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Eugene ($57,418 effective) pays 7.33% more than The Dalles ($53,497 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Eugene if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($58,318/year)
- ✓Larger job market (280 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $57,418)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose The Dalles if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($84,951)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, paralegal salaries in Eugene grew 30.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -10.1% growth in The Dalles over the same period.
Eugene, OR
$43,340 (2019) → $56,340 (2025)
The Dalles, OR
$58,956 (2024) → $53,027 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Eugene, OR
The Dalles, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays paralegals more: Eugene or The Dalles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Eugene and The Dalles?
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Written by Jessica Tran, JD
Career Analyst
Jessica Tran has 10 years of experience in paralegal studies. She specializes in corporate law and works with a law firm. She trains new paralegals in legal research and documentation.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.51% 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 Jessica Tran, JD, a licensed paralegal with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov