Gresham vs Portland: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Gresham, OR and Portland, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gresham, OR | Portland, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,096 | $88,270▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.39 | $42.44▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,805 | $68,768▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $76,475 | $81,685▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $100,648▲ | $98,396 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $109,419▲ | $108,638 |
| Total Employed | 21 | 2,250▲ |
Verdict
Portland, OR offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Gresham.
The salary gap between Gresham and Portland is $2,174 (2.53%). 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 Gresham spans $45,614,Portland spans $39,870. Gresham 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, Gresham ($83,914 effective) pays 0.22% 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 Gresham if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($109,419)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $83,914)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($88,270/year)
- ✓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 Gresham grew 14.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 50.3% growth in Portland over the same period.
Gresham, OR
$71,387 (2024) → $81,453 (2025)
Portland, OR
$55,580 (2019) → $83,510 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gresham, OR
Portland, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Gresham or Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Gresham and Portland?
Should I relocate from Gresham to Portland as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Gresham 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