Bend vs Portland: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Bend, OR and Portland, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bend, OR | Portland, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $88,006 | $88,270▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $42.31 | $42.44▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,970 | $68,768▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $79,074 | $81,685▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $97,212 | $98,396▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,174 | $108,638▲ |
| Total Employed | 150 | 2,250▲ |
Verdict
Portland, OR offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bend.
The salary gap between Bend and Portland is $264 (0.30%). Portland's median is +29.67% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bend spans $39,204,Portland spans $39,870. Portland has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bend ($84,942 effective) pays 1.45% more than Portland ($83,731 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bend if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $84,942)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($88,270/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($108,638)
- ✓Larger job market (2,250 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Bend grew 58.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 50.3% growth in Portland over the same period.
Bend, OR
$52,430 (2019) → $83,260 (2025)
Portland, OR
$55,580 (2019) → $83,510 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Portland, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Bend or Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bend and Portland?
Should I relocate from Bend to Portland as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Bend vs Portland?
Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% 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 Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov