Portland vs Salem: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Portland, OR and Salem, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Portland, OR | Salem, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $164,372 | $168,210▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $79.03 | $80.87▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $134,764▲ | $134,257 |
| 25th Percentile | $144,861▲ | $144,199 |
| 75th Percentile | $176,548 | $177,924▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $207,645▲ | $203,672 |
| Total Employed | 1,390▲ | 320 |
Verdict
Portland and Salem are closely matched on overall nurse practitioner compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Portland and Salem is $3,838 (2.33%). Salem's median is +22.90% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Portland spans $72,881,Salem spans $69,415. Portland has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Salem ($162,288 effective) pays 4.08% more than Portland ($155,920 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($207,645)
- ✓Larger job market (1,390 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($168,210/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $162,288)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Portland grew 39.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 41.0% growth in Salem over the same period.
Portland, OR
$114,290 (2019) → $158,890 (2025)
Salem, OR
$115,310 (2019) → $162,600 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Portland, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Portland or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Portland and Salem?
Should I relocate from Portland to Salem as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Portland vs Salem?
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