Bradley Gray's last-minute header denied Oxford United the chance to stretch their lead at the top of the Blue Square Premier table.
Chris Wilder's men looked on course for a sixth straight league win when sub Onome Sodje struck his first goal for the club with just 11 minutes left.
The Barnsley loan signing headed home Adam Chapman's inviting free-kick from close range.
But Gray levelled, also with a header, from Sean Clohessy's right-wing cross.
After being dominated before the break, the late equaliser was reward for a much-improved second-half display by the home side.
But Oxford's 1544 travelling fans were left to rue a great first-half save by home keeper James Bittner to deny 18-goal top scorer James Constable from 12 yards, as well as a disallowed goal by midfield man Alfie Potter.
Jack Midson twice went close for the visitors inside the opening 30 minutes and Potter also blazed over from the edge of the area.
After the break Salisbury rallied and Gray went close with a header from Clohessy's corner.
And Gray then blazed over from 18 yards before Sodje headed in 17 minutes after coming on - his first goal since March.
But despite conceding that late equaliser, Oxford remain two points clear at the top, thanks to second-placed Stevenage being held 0-0 at home by fellow promotion-chasers AFC Wimbledon.
Salisbury: Bittner, Turley, Webb, Todd, Ruddick, Clohessy, Clarke, Anderson, Adelsbury, Gray, Tubbs. Subs Not Used: Monhon, Widdrington, T Osman.
Goal: Gray 89.
Booked: Webb, Todd, Bittner, Clarke.
Oxford: Clarke, Chapman, Foster, Creighton, Sandwith, Potter (M Green 63), Bulman, Clist, Midson (Sodje 63), Constable, F Green (Cook 80). Subs Not Used: Turley, Perry.
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