Healthcare Portland, OR Pop. 652,503

Physician Assistant Salary in Portland, Oregon

The median physician assistant salary in Portland, OR is $151,212 per year, which is 20.0% above the national median and 7.1% above the Oregon state average.

City Median
$151,212
vs State Avg
+$10,081
vs National
+$25,202
Cost of Living
118%

Physician Assistant Pay in Portland: What to Expect (2026)

Portland offers a median physician assistant salary of $151,212, which is $10,081 above the Oregon state average of $141,131. Compared to the national median of $126,010, Portland pays above average for this role.

However, Portland's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $151,212 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $128,146. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Portland should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for physician assistants in Portland spans from $100,800 at the 10th percentile to $208,800 at the 90th percentile — a $108,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $105,600, while senior physician assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $194,400. As a major metro area with a population of 652,503, Portland typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Physician Assistant Salary in Portland by Experience

In Portland, an entry-level physician assistant earns around $105,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $194,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$105,600
+$17,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$151,200
+$25,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$194,400
+$32,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Portland, OR

Percentile Portland
10th Percentile $100,800
25th Percentile $127,200
Median (50th) $151,212
75th Percentile $181,200
90th Percentile $208,800

Physician Assistant Salary in Other Oregon Cities

Hillsboro, OR
$143,651
Pop. 106,447
Gresham, OR
$138,611
Pop. 113,103
Eugene, OR
$134,831
Pop. 176,654
Salem, OR
$131,050
Pop. 175,535

How to Become a Physician Assistant in Portland

Education

Most physician assistant positions require a master's degree. Portland and the surrounding Oregon area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Clinical AssessmentPharmacologySurgical AssistingPatient CommunicationEMR SystemsDiagnosis

Job Outlook

Nationally, physician assistant employment is projected to grow 28% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Portland may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Physician Assistant Jobs in Portland

Browse open physician assistant positions in Portland, OR:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Physician Assistant Salary in Portland

How much does a Physician Assistant make in Portland, OR? ▼
The median physician assistant salary in Portland, Oregon is $151,212 per year, which is 20.0% above the national median of $126,010. Salaries range from $100,800 (10th percentile) to $208,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physician Assistant make per hour in Portland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $151,212, a physician assistant in Portland earns approximately $73 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Portland compare to the Oregon state average for physician assistant pay? ▼
Portland's median physician assistant salary of $151,212 is 7.1% above the Oregon state average of $141,131. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Portland, OR? ▼
Portland has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a physician assistant salary of $151,212 in Portland has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physician assistant in Portland? ▼
Most physician assistant positions in Portland require a master's degree. Key skills include Clinical Assessment, Pharmacology, Surgical Assisting, Patient Communication. The job market is projected to grow 28% nationally over the next decade.