Portland vs Medford: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Portland, OR and Medford, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Portland, OR | Medford, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $137,229▲ | $133,775 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.98▲ | $64.31 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $102,340 | $103,751▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $114,030 | $114,451▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $143,706▲ | $135,629 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $163,915▲ | $157,302 |
| Total Employed | 24,220▲ | 2,370 |
Verdict
Portland, OR offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Medford.
The salary gap between Portland and Medford is $3,454 (2.58%). Portland's median is +33.58% 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,Medford spans $53,551. 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, Medford ($131,885 effective) pays 1.32% 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…
- ✓Higher median salary ($137,229/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($163,915)
- ✓Larger job market (24,220 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Medford if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $131,885)
- ✓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 41.3% growth in Medford over the same period.
Portland, OR
$96,450 (2019) → $130,310 (2025)
Medford, OR
$89,870 (2019) → $127,030 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Portland, OR
Medford, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Portland or Medford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Portland and Medford?
Should I relocate from Portland to Medford as a registered nurse?
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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