Eugene vs Portland: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Eugene, OR and Portland, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Eugene, OR | Portland, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $82,224 | $88,270▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $39.53 | $42.44▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,781 | $68,768▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $73,303 | $81,685▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $91,283 | $98,396▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $99,918 | $108,638▲ |
| Total Employed | 590 | 2,250▲ |
Verdict
Portland, OR offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Eugene.
The salary gap between Eugene and Portland is $6,046 (7.35%). 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 Eugene spans $33,137,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, Portland ($83,731 effective) pays 3.43% more than Eugene ($80,955 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Eugene if…
- ✓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)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $83,731)
- ✓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 50.3% growth in Portland over the same period.
Eugene, OR
$53,230 (2019) → $77,790 (2025)
Portland, OR
$55,580 (2019) → $83,510 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Eugene, OR
Portland, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Eugene or Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Eugene and Portland?
Should I relocate from Eugene to Portland as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Eugene 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