Eugene vs The Dalles: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Eugene, OR and The Dalles, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Eugene, OR | The Dalles, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $82,224▲ | $77,983 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.53▲ | $37.49 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,781▲ | $65,749 |
| 25th Percentile | $73,303 | $74,365▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $91,283▲ | $91,247 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $99,918▲ | $97,363 |
| Total Employed | 590▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Eugene, OR offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to The Dalles.
The salary gap between Eugene and The Dalles is $4,241 (5.44%). Eugene's median is +20.79% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Eugene spans $33,137,The Dalles spans $31,614. Eugene 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, Eugene ($80,955 effective) pays 6.51% more than The Dalles ($76,007 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Eugene if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($82,224/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($99,918)
- ✓Larger job market (590 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,955)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose The Dalles if…
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Eugene grew 46.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.1% growth in The Dalles over the same period.
Eugene, OR
$53,230 (2019) → $77,790 (2025)
The Dalles, OR
$64,661 (2024) → $73,778 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Eugene, OR
The Dalles, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Eugene or The Dalles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Eugene and The Dalles?
Should I relocate from Eugene to The Dalles as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Eugene vs The Dalles?
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