Healthcare Portland, OR Pop. 652,503

Registered Nurse Salary in Portland, Oregon

The median registered nurse salary in Portland, OR is $97,464 per year, which is 20.0% above the national median and 7.1% above the Oregon state average.

City Median
$97,464
vs State Avg
+$6,498
vs National
+$16,244
Cost of Living
118%

Registered Nurse Pay in Portland: What to Expect (2026)

Portland offers a median registered nurse salary of $97,464, which is $6,498 above the Oregon state average of $90,966. Compared to the national median of $81,220, 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 $97,464 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $82,597. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Portland should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for registered nurses in Portland spans from $68,880 at the 10th percentile to $144,960 at the 90th percentile — a $76,080 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $69,600, while senior registered nurses with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $138,000. 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.

Registered Nurse Salary in Portland by Experience

In Portland, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $69,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $138,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$69,600
+$11,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$98,400
+$16,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$138,000
+$23,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Portland, OR

Percentile Portland
10th Percentile $68,880
25th Percentile $80,160
Median (50th) $97,464
75th Percentile $121,320
90th Percentile $144,960

Registered Nurse Salary in Other Oregon Cities

Hillsboro, OR
$92,591
Pop. 106,447
Gresham, OR
$89,342
Pop. 113,103
Eugene, OR
$86,905
Pop. 176,654
Salem, OR
$84,469
Pop. 175,535

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Portland

Education

Most registered nurse positions require a bachelor's degree. Portland and the surrounding Oregon area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Patient AssessmentMedication AdministrationCritical ThinkingCommunicationEMR SystemsBLS/ACLS

Job Outlook

Nationally, registered nurse employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Portland may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Registered Nurse Jobs in Portland

Browse open registered nurse positions in Portland, OR:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Portland

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Portland, OR? ▼
The median registered nurse salary in Portland, Oregon is $97,464 per year, which is 20.0% above the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $68,880 (10th percentile) to $144,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Registered Nurse make per hour in Portland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $97,464, a registered nurse in Portland earns approximately $47 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Portland compare to the Oregon state average for registered nurse pay? ▼
Portland's median registered nurse salary of $97,464 is 7.1% above the Oregon state average of $90,966. 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 registered nurse salary of $97,464 in Portland has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a registered nurse in Portland? ▼
Most registered nurse positions in Portland require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Patient Assessment, Medication Administration, Critical Thinking, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.