Healthcare Oregon (OR) Rank #10 of 50

Registered Nurse Salary in Oregon

The median registered nurse salary in Oregon is $90,966 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median of $81,220.

Median Salary
$90,966
vs National
+$9,746
State Rank
#10 of 50
Cost of Living
110%

Registered Nurse Salary Overview in Oregon (2026)

Oregon ranks #10 out of 50 states for registered nurse compensation. This places Oregon in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for registered nurses seeking high pay. At $90,966 per year, registered nurses in Oregon earn $9,746 more than the national median of $81,220.

It's worth noting that Oregon's cost of living is 110% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $90,966 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $82,696.

The salary spread in Oregon is significant: registered nurses at the 10th percentile earn $64,288, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $135,296 — a $71,008 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Oregon for this role is Portland, where the median reaches $97,464.

Nationally, registered nurse employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for registered nurses across the country.

Registered Nurse Salary in Oregon by Experience

In Oregon, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $64,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $128,800 per year. The cost of living index in Oregon is 110% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$64,960
+$6,960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$91,840
+$9,840 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$128,800
+$13,800 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Oregon

Percentile OR Salary
10th Percentile $64,288
25th Percentile $74,816
Median (50th) $90,966
75th Percentile $113,232
90th Percentile $135,296

Registered Nurse Salary by City in Oregon

The largest employment areas for registered nurses in Oregon include Portland, Salem, Eugene, and Gresham. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Oregon

Education

Most registered nurse positions require a bachelor's degree. Oregon has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Patient AssessmentMedication AdministrationCritical ThinkingCommunicationEMR SystemsBLS/ACLS

Job Outlook in Oregon

Nationally, registered nurse employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Oregon's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Oregon

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Oregon? ▼
The median registered nurse salary in Oregon is $90,966 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $64,288 (10th percentile) to $135,296 (90th percentile).
How much does a Registered Nurse make per hour in Oregon? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $90,966, a registered nurse in Oregon earns approximately $44 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Oregon a good state for registered nurses? ▼
Oregon ranks #10 out of 50 states for registered nurse pay. The cost of living index is 110% of the national average. Entry-level registered nurses earn $64,960, while senior professionals earn $128,800.
How does Oregon compare to other states for registered nurse salary? ▼
The highest paying state for registered nurses is Hawaii at $144,572. Oregon's median of $90,966 ranks #10 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Connecticut ($94,215) and Maryland ($92,591).
What is the entry-level registered nurse salary in Oregon? ▼
An entry-level registered nurse in Oregon earns approximately $64,960 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $91,840. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $128,800.
What city in Oregon pays registered nurses the most? ▼
Portland is the highest paying city in Oregon for registered nurses, with a median salary of $97,464. Other cities include Salem and Eugene.