Best Online Education Programs in Salem, OR (2026)
Salem, Oregon has a population of about 176,666. The city’s median household income is $71,900 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 31.4% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There is 1 accredited education program within 100 miles of Salem, with tuition ranging from $11,025 to $30,735 per year. In the Salem, OR metro area, the top-earning education-related role is Education Administrator, K-12 at a median $130,490 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Education Schools to Salem
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer education programs. Distances are calculated from Salem city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Oregon University | Monmouth, OR | 11.6 mi | $11,025 - $30,735 | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Oregon schools on the Oregon education page.
Education Wages Near Salem
Salem is part of the Salem, OR metro area (BLS area code 41420). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to Oregon statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secondary School Teacher | $78,830 | Salem, OR | $76,091 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $64,770 | Salem, OR | $62,519 |
| Middle School Teacher | $74,060 | Salem, OR | $71,486 |
| Education Teacher, Postsecondary | $74,360 | Salem, OR | $71,776 |
| Education Administrator, K-12 | $130,490 | Salem, OR | $125,956 |
| Education Administrator, Postsecondary | $124,190 | Salem, OR | $119,875 |
| Tutor | $46,190 | Salem, OR | $44,585 |
| Educational and Career Counselor | $76,200 | Salem, OR | $73,552 |
Source: BLS, May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes wage data at the metro (MSA) and state level – not by individual city.
Salem at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 176,666 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $71,900 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 31.4% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 103.6 (above U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Education-related employment in Marion County | 2,866 workers, 163 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Salem-Area Cities With Education Programs
- Keizer, OR – 5.5 mi away (38,980 pop)
- Woodburn, OR – 17.5 mi away (35,007 pop)
- Albany, OR – 20.7 mi away (60,463 pop)
- McMinnville, OR – 21.5 mi away (41,998 pop)
- Newberg, OR – 26.7 mi away (28,516 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited education programs are near Salem, OR?
Our directory lists 1 education programs within 100 miles of Salem. The closest is Western Oregon University in Monmouth, OR (11.6 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Western Oregon University (11.6 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying education roles near Salem?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying education-related roles near Salem are: Education Administrator, K-12 ($130,490), Education Administrator, Postsecondary ($124,190), Secondary School Teacher ($78,830). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with Oregon statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in Keizer instead of Salem?
Keizer, OR is 5.5 miles from Salem and has its own set of local education programs – see the city’s page. For online programs, distance matters less; for hybrid or in-person formats, comparing both can help.
Is Salem an affordable place to study education?
Salem’s median household income of $71,900 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Salem while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Oregon public universities often offer reduced in-state online tuition.
How do I verify a program is accredited?
Confirm institutional accreditation via the U.S. Department of Education database (U.S. Dept. of Education database), and check for any program-specific accreditation listed by the school.