Portland vs Hillsboro: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Portland, OR and Hillsboro, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Portland, OR | Hillsboro, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $137,229 | $140,353▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $65.98 | $67.48▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $102,340▲ | $97,113 |
| 25th Percentile | $114,030▲ | $113,404 |
| 75th Percentile | $143,706 | $161,629▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $163,915 | $197,405▲ |
| Total Employed | 24,220▲ | 22 |
Verdict
Hillsboro, OR offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Portland.
The salary gap between Portland and Hillsboro is $3,124 (2.28%). Hillsboro's median is +36.62% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Portland spans $61,575,Hillsboro spans $100,292. Hillsboro has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced registered nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Hillsboro ($136,796 effective) pays 5.09% more than Portland ($130,172 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Larger job market (24,220 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Hillsboro if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($140,353/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($197,405)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $136,796)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Portland grew 35.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.3% growth in Hillsboro over the same period.
Portland, OR
$96,450 (2019) → $130,310 (2025)
Hillsboro, OR
$117,643 (2024) → $133,276 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Portland, OR
Hillsboro, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Portland or Hillsboro?
What is the hourly rate difference between Portland and Hillsboro?
Should I relocate from Portland to Hillsboro as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Portland vs Hillsboro?
Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% 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 Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov