New registered nurses in Oregon typically earn around $95,280 per year, which represents the 10th percentile of the wage distribution. Most early-career hires will land closer to the 25th percentile of $107,220 once they have some clinical experience, so budget within that range when recruiting candidates who are within their first few years of practice.
Registered nurse salary in Oregon (2026)
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The average registered nurse salary in Oregon is $123,140 per year. A small pool of very high earners pulls that average upward, so the median of $129,010 gives employers a more reliable starting point for most hiring decisions. Oregon employs 39,730 registered nurses, and the $5,870 gap between the mean and median reflects real variation in the candidate pool you will be evaluating. Entry-level registered nurses in Oregon typically earn around $95,280, while senior specialists commonly reach or exceed the $155,010 level at the 90th percentile. Plan for a range rather than a single number when budgeting for a registered nurse hire in Oregon, and anchor that range to the seniority and specialization of the role you are filling.
Metric / Value
Metric | Value |
Median Annual Salary | $129,010 |
Average Annual Salary | $123,140 |
vs. National Average | 21.4% above the national mean of $101,420 |
Data comes from the BLS OEWS and covers 39,730 employed registered nurses across Oregon.
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Employers setting an offer for a registered nurse in Oregon should expect the bulk of candidates to fall between $107,220 and $134,420, depending on experience level. Roles requiring specialized skills or significant tenure can push compensation toward $155,010, so build that flexibility into your budget before extending an offer.
Employers hiring across multiple Oregon locations should adjust compensation benchmarks by city rather than relying on a single statewide figure. Bend leads at $126,700 while Eugene sits at the lower end at $117,700, a spread of $9,000 that can meaningfully affect your offer competitiveness depending on where the role is based.
State | Average Annual Salary | Median Annual Salary |
Oregon | $123,140 | $129,010 |
California | $150,280 | $140,270 |
Washington | $121,540 | $124,200 |
Nevada | $105,710 | $103,670 |
Colorado | $99,370 | $100,260 |
Idaho | $92,710 | $92,460 |
Oregon sits well above most neighboring states for registered nurse compensation, which means employers here face higher baseline salary expectations than peers in Nevada, Colorado, or Idaho. California remains the only nearby state that clearly exceeds Oregon, with a mean of $150,280 compared to Oregon's $123,140. Washington tracks closely at $121,540, so cross-border candidates from that market will arrive with similar pay expectations.
Frequently asked questions about registered nurse salary in Oregon
How much does a new RN make in Oregon?
What is the salary range for a registered nurse in Oregon?
The salary range for a registered nurse in Oregon runs from $95,280 at the 10th percentile to $155,010 at the 90th percentile. The middle of the market sits between $107,220 and $134,420, which is where most offers for experienced nurses should land. Use the seniority and specialization of the specific role to determine where within that range your offer should fall.
How does Oregon compare to other states for registered nurse salary?
Oregon pays registered nurses above the national mean of $101,420 by 21.4%, making it a higher-cost market than most states. Among nearby states, only California at $150,280 clearly exceeds Oregon's mean of $123,140. Washington is close at $121,540, while Nevada, Colorado, and Idaho all pay meaningfully less, so Oregon employers should expect candidates to hold firm on compensation expectations.
What do the top-earning registered nurses make in Oregon?
Registered nurses at the 90th percentile in Oregon earn $155,010 per year. Senior specialists with advanced certifications or leadership responsibilities are the candidates most likely to command offers at or above that level. When competing for that tier of talent, plan your budget to reach the upper end of the range rather than anchoring to the statewide median.
Registered Nurse salary by state
Data sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2025, SOC code 29-1141 (Registered Nurses).
Disclaimer
Rippling and its affiliates do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide or be relied on for tax, accounting, or legal advice. You should consult your own tax, accounting, and legal advisors before engaging in any related activities or transactions.
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