LOC News
2026 LOC Salary Survey Report Now Available
The LOC’s 2026 Salary Survey Report provides updated information to help Oregon cities compare compensation, staffing, benefits, and position requirements.
Results show that cities average one full-time equivalent employee for every 177 residents, while salaries have increased about 15% since 2022 but have not kept pace with inflation. Larger and Metro region cities generally offer higher wages, while smaller cities face greater recruitment challenges.
Benefits, especially sick leave and vacation time, have increased, and position requirements have also risen, with average required experience increasing from 3.8 years in 2022 to 5.3 years in 2026.
Public works, utilities, maintenance, police, finance, engineering, and department-head roles remain the most difficult to fill, largely due to certification requirements, limited qualified applicants, compensation constraints, housing shortages, and rural location challenges.
Contact: Jayme Pierce, General Counsel – jpierce@orcities.org
Last Updated 7/17/2026