Portland vs Tualatin: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Portland, OR and Tualatin, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Portland, OR | Tualatin, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $88,270▲ | $80,838 |
| Hourly Rate | $42.44▲ | $38.87 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,768▲ | $66,645 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,685▲ | $76,327 |
| 75th Percentile | $98,396▲ | $91,736 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $108,638▲ | $104,852 |
| Total Employed | 2,250▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Portland, OR offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Tualatin.
The salary gap between Portland and Tualatin is $7,432 (9.19%). 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 Portland spans $39,870,Tualatin spans $38,207. 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, Portland ($83,731 effective) pays 6.27% more than Tualatin ($78,789 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 ($88,270/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($108,638)
- ✓Larger job market (2,250 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $83,731)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Tualatin if…
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Portland grew 50.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.1% growth in Tualatin over the same period.
Portland, OR
$55,580 (2019) → $83,510 (2025)
Tualatin, OR
$67,028 (2024) → $76,479 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Portland, OR
Tualatin, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Portland or Tualatin?
What is the hourly rate difference between Portland and Tualatin?
Should I relocate from Portland to Tualatin as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Portland vs Tualatin?
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