Portland vs Tualatin: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Portland, OR and Tualatin, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Portland, OR | Tualatin, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $164,372▲ | $150,940 |
| Hourly Rate | $79.03▲ | $72.57 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $134,764▲ | $123,446 |
| 25th Percentile | $144,861▲ | $138,791 |
| 75th Percentile | $176,548▲ | $171,858 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $207,645▲ | $199,103 |
| Total Employed | 1,390▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Portland, OR offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Tualatin.
The salary gap between Portland and Tualatin is $13,432 (8.90%). 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,Tualatin spans $75,657. Tualatin 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 5.98% more than Tualatin ($147,115 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 Tualatin 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 Tualatin over the same period.
Portland, OR
$114,290 (2019) → $158,890 (2025)
Tualatin, OR
$141,942 (2024) → $145,906 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Portland, OR
Tualatin, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Portland or Tualatin?
What is the hourly rate difference between Portland and Tualatin?
Should I relocate from Portland to Tualatin as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Portland vs Tualatin?
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