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Library Assistants, Clerical Salary in Oregon: Cost of Living Adjusted (2025)

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

What does a Library Assistants, Clerical salary really buy you in Oregon?

Oregon is 6.6% pricier than the US average

Data: BLS OEWS 2025 + BEA Regional Price Parities 2022 • Updated 2026-05-19

Nominal Salary
$42,270
Median annual (2025)
-6.2%
Real Purchasing Power
$39,652
COL-adjusted (RPP=106.6)

Oregon Cost of Living Index

Oregon's Regional Price Parity (RPP) is 106.6, meaning prices are 6.6% higher the national average. A Library Assistants, Clerical earning $42,270 in Oregon has the equivalent purchasing power of $39,652 in an average-cost US state.

OR: 106.6
Cheapest (~85) US Avg (100) Priciest (~115)

Salary Breakdown: Nominal vs. COL-Adjusted

Every dollar goes further in low-cost states. Here is how each salary percentile compares after adjusting for Oregon's cost of living.

Percentile Nominal Salary COL-Adjusted Difference
10th Percentile (P10) $33,160 $31,106 $-2,053
25th Percentile (P25) $35,760 $33,545 $-2,214
Median (P50) $42,270 $39,652 $-2,617
75th Percentile (P75) $48,470 $45,469 $-3,000
90th Percentile (P90) $50,560 $47,429 $-3,130
Key Insight

While $42,270 sounds high, Oregon's elevated cost of living erases 6% of that salary's purchasing power. Your real buying power is $39,652. Consider whether the higher pay offsets the higher costs.

What the Cost-of-Living Data Says

Oregon Is a High-Cost State

RPP 106.6

Oregon's RPP of 106.6 puts it 6.6% above the national baseline cost of living. A Library Assistants, Clerical needs that premium in nominal pay just to maintain the same purchasing power as an average-cost state.

Meaningful Purchasing-Power Shift

-6.2%

After applying Oregon's RPP, the $42,270 median salary translates to $39,653 in real terms — a 6.2% loss. That difference can cover several months of expenses over a year for a Library Assistants, Clerical.

Top-Quartile Adjusted Earnings in Oregon

#12 / 50

Ranked on COL-adjusted median pay for Library Assistants, Clerical, Oregon places #12 of 50 states — top quartile. Either nominal wages run high, cost of living runs low, or both.

Best States for Library Assistants, Clerical (After Cost of Living)

Where does Library Assistants, Clerical salary stretch the furthest? Top 10 states ranked by COL-adjusted median salary.

$50,934
RPP 116.6
2. Nevada
$48,360
RPP 96.4
3. Alaska
$43,921
RPP 102.0
$43,723
RPP 105.0
$43,296
RPP 109.8
6. Montana
$43,266
RPP 90.3
$42,914
RPP 92.3
$42,542
RPP 112.5
9. Wyoming
$41,392
RPP 91.9
10. Minnesota
$40,910
RPP 97.7

Oregon ranks #12 out of 50 states for Library Assistants, Clerical after cost-of-living adjustment.

How much do you actually take home? See Library Assistants, Clerical take-home pay in Oregon after taxes →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the real salary for a Library Assistants, Clerical in Oregon after cost of living?

A Library Assistants, Clerical in Oregon earns a median salary of $42,270 per year. After adjusting for Oregon's cost of living (RPP=106.6), the real purchasing power is $39,652 — a -6.2% difference.

Is Oregon expensive to live in?

Oregon's cost of living is 6.6% higher than the national average according to the BEA Regional Price Parities (2022). The RPP index for Oregon is 106.6 (US average = 100).

What are Regional Price Parities (RPP)?

Regional Price Parities (RPPs) are price indexes published by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) that measure differences in price levels across states. They are expressed as a percentage of the national average (US = 100). Higher RPP means higher cost of living.

How is the cost-of-living adjusted salary calculated?

The adjusted salary is calculated as: Nominal Salary x (100 / RPP). For a Library Assistants, Clerical in Oregon: $42,270 x (100 / 106.6) = $39,652. This represents what the salary would be worth in a state with average living costs.

Does the high cost of living in Oregon offset the salary?

Partially — a Library Assistants, Clerical's nominal salary of $42,270 in Oregon has 6.2% less purchasing power due to higher living costs. The real value is $39,652. However, Oregon may offer better career opportunities, networking, and industry access.

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