In Portland, OR, Registered Nurses earn a median of $116,850 a year — about 24% above the U.S. median of $94,480. Among the 50 metros tracked here for this role, that ranks #9.
What that pay is worth in Portland
Local prices run 105 on the BEA cost-of-living index (U.S. = 100), so a $118,100 salary buys less than it looks — about $112,027 in national-average buying power.
Can Registered Nurses afford a home in Portland?
A typical Portland home runs about $557,600 — 4.7 times the average Registered Nurse salary, manageable against the classic 3x rule of thumb. Median rent near $1,596/mo takes roughly 16% of gross pay — within the 30% comfort line.
The Registered Nurse pay ladder in Portland
Entry-level (10th percentile) Registered Nurses earn about $94,630; the top 10% reach $137,870 — a $43,240 spread, moderate for this field. Most of that gap comes down to experience, employer, and how hard you negotiate.
The Registered Nurse job market in Portland
Portland employs roughly 23,650 Registered Nurses. It’s a sizable local market to build a career in.
Compare Portland with other cities
See the full Registered Nurse salary by city ranking to weigh Portland against the other metros on both pay and cost-adjusted value, or use the cost-of-living calculator to compare any two cities directly.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Registered Nurses make in Portland?
The average Registered Nurse in Portland, OR earns about $118,100 per year, 25.0% above the national average of $94,480.
What is the take-home pay for Registered Nurses in Portland after taxes?
After federal and OR taxes, this $118,100 salary is worth about $82,153 a year - roughly $6,846 a month in take-home pay, an effective tax rate near 30%.
What do the highest-paid Registered Nurses earn in Portland?
The top 10% of Registered Nurses in Portland earn about $137,870 a year, versus about $94,630 for the bottom 10%.
Can Registered Nurses afford a home in Portland?
A typical Portland home runs about $557,600 - roughly 4.7x this salary, within reach by the classic 3x rule of thumb.