Portland vs The Dalles: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Portland, OR and The Dalles, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Portland, OR | The Dalles, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $164,372▲ | $145,609 |
| Hourly Rate | $79.03▲ | $70.00 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $134,764▲ | $121,776 |
| 25th Percentile | $144,861▲ | $135,201 |
| 75th Percentile | $176,548▲ | $170,916 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $207,645▲ | $184,904 |
| Total Employed | 1,390▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Portland, OR offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to The Dalles.
The salary gap between Portland and The Dalles is $18,763 (12.89%). 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 Portland spans $72,881,The Dalles spans $63,128. 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, Portland ($155,920 effective) pays 9.87% more than The Dalles ($141,919 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose The Dalles if…
- ✓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 2.8% growth in The Dalles over the same period.
Portland, OR
$114,290 (2019) → $158,890 (2025)
The Dalles, OR
$136,929 (2024) → $140,753 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Portland, OR
The Dalles, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Portland or The Dalles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Portland and The Dalles?
Should I relocate from Portland to The Dalles as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Portland vs The Dalles?
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