Registered Nurse salary in Portland, OR
Median pay, Portland (OR) metro
$130,310/year
about $62.65 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $108,280 – $136,460
Half of registered nurses in the Portland (OR) metro area earn more than $130,310 a year and half earn less. That's 34% higher than the national median of $97,550, and ranks #6 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $97,180 | $46.72 |
| 25th | $108,280 | $52.06 |
| Median (50th) | $130,310 | $62.65 |
| 75th | $136,460 | $65.61 |
| 90th (top earners) | $155,650 | $74.83 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a registered nurse job in the Portland (OR) metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $108,280 ($52.06/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $108,280 to $136,460 ($52.06 to $65.61/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $136,460 ($65.61/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- Shift differentials for nights and weekends can add a lot on top of the base rate, so ask for them in writing.
- Sign-on bonuses often come with a clawback if you leave within one or two years. Check the terms before you count on it.
- Ask about nurse-to-patient ratios and mandatory overtime, since they shape the job far more than the posting suggests.
Also watch for the common warning signs in the posting itself: 15 job posting red flags.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025, Portland (OR) metro. Occupation: Registered Nurses (SOC 29-1141). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.