Albany vs Portland: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Albany, OR and Portland, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albany, OR | Portland, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $148,461 | $164,372▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $71.38 | $79.03▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $136,937▲ | $134,764 |
| 25th Percentile | $144,768 | $144,861▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $171,013 | $176,548▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $193,452 | $207,645▲ |
| Total Employed | 40 | 1,390▲ |
Verdict
Portland, OR offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Albany.
The salary gap between Albany and Portland is $15,911 (10.72%). Portland's median is +20.10% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albany spans $56,515,Portland spans $72,881. Portland has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse practitioners.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Portland ($155,920 effective) pays 7.23% more than Albany ($145,407 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Albany if…
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($164,372/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($207,645)
- ✓Larger job market (1,390 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $155,920)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Albany grew 7.9% from 2023 to 2025, compared to 39.0% growth in Portland over the same period.
Albany, OR
$133,060 (2023) → $143,510 (2025)
Portland, OR
$114,290 (2019) → $158,890 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albany, OR
Portland, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Albany or Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albany and Portland?
Should I relocate from Albany to Portland as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Albany vs Portland?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov