Average RN Salary in Oregon (2026)

Written by: Ann Real, MA, BSN, RN Content Writer

Reviewed by: Rishi Kulkarni, PhD VP, Engineering and Machine Learning, Data Science

Known for its breathtaking coastline, world-famous wineries, and endless recreational opportunities, Oregon is also an attractive destination for nursing professionals. The RN salary in Oregon is among the most competitive in the nation, and the state's diverse healthcare landscape offers opportunities across virtually every specialty and practice setting. Whether you see yourself in a busy hospital, a long-term care facility, or a wellness clinic, Oregon offers plenty of ways to maximize your income — all while enjoying the state’s natural beauty.

How much do RNs make in Oregon? We analyzed current job listings across the state to give you the most accurate and up-to-date look at nursing salaries. This information can help you evaluate job offers, negotiate your pay, and plan your next career move.

What’s the Average RN Salary in Oregon?

The average registered nurse salary in Oregon is around $132,540 annually, equivalent to $63.72 per hour. Just keep in mind that experience, education, specialty, practice setting, and other factors can all play a role in determining your salary.

How these numbers are determined: Our wage estimates for the registered nurse salary in Oregon are based on two inputs: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey data and Credenza's own job postings feed, which features current job ads for nurses in the area. Estimates are updated monthly. Learn more about our methodology.

RN Salary by Location

Who’s hiring RNs in Oregon — and what are they paying? Explore the latest job openings in the state’s biggest cities and see what salaries are on offer.

Your salary. Your city.

What Do RNs Make in Oregon?

Median pay for RNs in Oregon's top-paying areas, from Credenza's salary model. Updated monthly.

Find RN Jobs in Oregon

Our own salary estimates · Updated monthly · Free to access
Annual figures are annualized equivalents (40 hrs/week × 52 weeks) of median hourly pay.

RN Salary in Oregon vs. Other States

Now, let’s put Oregon’s RN salaries into perspective by comparing them with national pay trends. Registered nurses in the Beaver State generally earn more than the national average. Your own paycheck, however, can vary depending on your work setting, nursing specialty, and other factors.

See how Oregon salaries compare with the states next door.

Benefits of Being an Oregon State RN

From busy medical centers in Portland to healthcare facilities across Oregon’s smaller communities, local RNs can build their careers in a variety of settings. With more than 4.2 million residents and countless visitors each year, the state offers opportunities in acute care, specialty clinics, educational institutions, and more.

Here are some of the key benefits of working as an RN in Oregon:

World-class healthcare facilities. For nurses who want to grow their skills and work alongside leading healthcare professionals, Oregon offers access to nationally recognized medical centers. Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) Hospital consistently ranks among the best hospitals in the state and is nationally recognized for excellence in several specialties.
Quality educational institutions. Oregon is home to strong nursing education programs, including OHSU School of Nursing, which offers pathways for nurses at every stage in their career. The school has a high NCLEX pass rate, as well as affiliations with cutting-edge research programs, which can be an added benefit for nurses interested in working in the field of clinical research.
Strong opportunities for advanced practice nurses. Oregon is also among the favorable states for nurses who want to advance beyond the RN role. The state grants full practice authority to advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), including nurse practitioners (NPs), clinical nurse specialists (CNSs), and nurse anesthetists (CRNAs).
Financial assistance. Oregon offers programs that make nursing in the state even more financially rewarding. Programs like Retaining and Elevating the Nurse Education Workforce (RENEW) and Oregon Partnership State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) provide support for nurses who want to continue their education, reduce student loan burden, or work in communities facing healthcare shortages.
Strong support for nurses in the workplace. While Oregon is not currently part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), nurses in the state benefit from strong professional representation through the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA). The organization advocates for nurses through collective bargaining, workplace protections, and legislative efforts that shape the future of nursing in the state.

Healthcare Facilities in Oregon

Whether you're interested in pediatrics, geriatrics, reproductive health, or another specialty, Oregon's healthcare system offers plenty of options. The state is home to more than 50 hospitals, including five Magnet-designated facilities known for their commitment to high-quality patient care.

Ready to find your next role? Here are some facilities actively hiring RNs:

One of the best things about nursing is how many directions it can take you. You might find yourself teaching future nurses, supporting communities, or conducting research. For nurses with an entrepreneurial streak, there are also opportunities to build businesses around wellness coaching, private duty care, or health education.

Professional Support for Oregon RNs

Navigating your nursing career is easier when you know where to find reliable information and support. In Oregon, the Oregon State Board of Nursing oversees practice in the state, including licensure, scope of practice, and practice standards.

Licensing requirements can feel like a maze, especially when you're focused on building your career. Our nursing career guides simplify the process, providing clear, practical information on everything from becoming an RN to renewing your license.

Looking for more support? The resources below offer valuable information on career development, networking opportunities, and more:

How to Increase Your Salary in Oregon

Your salary isn't set in stone. While experience plays an important role, the decisions you make throughout your career — from choosing a specialty to pursuing additional certifications — can influence how much you earn.

Want to earn the highest registered nurse salary in Oregon? Here are some ways to increase your income:

Build a second income stream. Your nursing skills can be valuable in many different settings, even outside traditional hospital roles. Some nurses generate additional earnings through health coaching, NCLEX tutoring, freelance medical writing, or creating podcasts for healthcare professionals.
Earn a certification. Credentials such as Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN), Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse (CAPA), and Certified Nephrology Nurse (CNN) can help you deepen your expertise, stand out to employers, and qualify for higher-paying opportunities.
Upgrade your education. Investing in your education can be one of the best ways to increase your earning potential as a nurse. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), or other advanced degree can help you move into higher-paying roles with more responsibility. You can also add a minor to your nursing degree, such as psychology, sociology, or public health. For nurses interested in the business side of healthcare, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) can be another pathway into leadership and administrative positions.
Pick up per diem shifts. Many Oregon healthcare facilities rely on per diem nurses to help fill staffing gaps. Picking up occasional shifts at your facility or finding a per diem job can be a flexible way to supplement your income while maintaining control over your schedule.
Consider rural opportunities. Healthcare facilities in rural and underserved parts of Oregon may offer hiring bonuses, relocation assistance, and loan repayment programs to attract nurses. This may also be an attractive option for new grad nurses wanting to maximize their entry-level nurse salary. Oregon's rural areas also have a remarkably lower cost of living than larger cities, which means your salary may stretch further.

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Why Trust Us?

How much you make as a registered nurse is important. That’s why it’s crucial to get numbers reporting the RN salary in Oregon and other regions right. We have the data and the experience to do just that. Here’s why you can rely on us.

Methodology: How We Get the Data

Data Sources. Wage estimates combine two inputs. The first is the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey, which is the federal benchmark for what healthcare workers actually earn. It's the most reliable measure available, but it's published annually, lags the market, and doesn't report on thousands of smaller market-and-discipline combinations. The second is Credenza's own job postings feed, a daily export of active listings from verified healthcare employers. Postings are current and granular, but they advertise pay rather than report it, as advertised rates typically run a few percentage points off actual earnings, by an amount that varies market to market.

How Estimates Are Calculated. Rather than averaging listings, our model treats each market's wage as an unknown value that both sources give partial evidence about. It learns the gap between advertised and earned pay for each market, anchors markets with sparse data to their state's wage level, and carries estimates forward year over year at a rate learned from historical data. Every figure is published with an interval reflecting how much evidence stands behind it.

Data Cleaning. We exclude extreme outlier salary ranges, which are often artifacts of data collection. These are rare, but in thin markets a single outlier listing can shift an average by whole percentage points.

Coverage and Limitations. Our estimates cover roughly 1,600 market-and-discipline combinations the federal survey never reports on, including rural areas and smaller metros. All figures are statistical estimates rather than measured wages, and shifts in which employers are posting can affect the advertised-versus-earned correction. These figures describe market conditions and aren't a substitute for a formal compensation study.

Who We Are

All our Career Advice articles, including the Nursing Salary pages, were prepared by the humans on the Credenza content team. Our team comprises subject matter experts — registered nurse writers — and an editorial staff with a combined 65+ years of digital writing, publishing, and SEO experience, who uphold a rigorous review process to ensure that our articles are both accurate and relevant to modern nurses. Our articles provide actionable steps to help you maximize your career potential, whether you’re seeking new employment opportunities or just looking for ways to gain greater job satisfaction.

About Credenza

Credenza is the clinician career destination, the single place to manage your career, unlock every opportunity, and ensure you’re always ready for what’s next. The clinical job market is moving fast. On Credenza, your profile unlocks every relevant match, specialty, and setting all in one place. Credenza — one profile, one platform, every opportunity.

Average Registered Nurse (RN) Salary in Oregon (2026)