Portland, Oregon, is not just known for its vibrant culture and scenic beauty — it’s also a great place for nurses to live and work. Nurses in Portland benefit from a vast network of healthcare facilities, competitive salaries, and strong nurse-to-patient ratio laws, which helps ensure a supportive work environment that prioritizes patient safety and nurse well-being. Add in Portland’s excellent quality of life and outdoor recreation, and it’s clear why many nurses choose to build their careers here.
Whether you’re seeking full-time, part-time, contract, temporary, or per diem nursing jobs in Portland, IntelyCare can help with your search. Let’s explore what it’s like to build your career in this dynamic city.
Quick Facts About Nursing Jobs in Portland
- Is Oregon a compact state? No, Oregon is not a part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) agreement. Review the Oregon Nurse Practice Act for details.
- What do nurses earn in Portland? Here’s an overview of the average salary ranges for different nursing roles:
- NP salary in Portland: $144,950
- RN salary in Portland: $113,440
- LPN salary in Portland: $71,180
- CNA salary in Portland: $46,970
- Where can I find information about nurse license requirements in Oregon? For all things nursing in this state, turn to the Oregon Board of Nursing. If it's time to renew your license, our guide on nursing license renewal in Oregon has everything you need to know.
- Where can I search for nursing jobs in the Portland area? If you're relocating to Portland area but haven't picked your ideal spot yet, check out openings in these surrounding cities:
- Nursing jobs in Beaverton
- Nursing jobs in Hillsboro
- Nursing jobs in Lake Oswego
- Nursing jobs in Milwaukee
- Nursing jobs in Oregon City
What to Know When Pursuing Nursing Jobs in Portland
With over 630,000 residents, Portland, OR, is home to a culturally diverse population: 70.1% of the population identifies as White, 11.3% identifies as Hispanic or Latino, 11.3% identifies as multiracial, 8.1% identifies as Asian, 5.8% identifies as Black, 0.8% identifies as American Indian or Alaska Native, and 0.5% identifies as Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander. Being culturally competent is crucial to providing effective care for these diverse patient groups.
Portland’s median age of 37.9 is slightly below the national median of 38.4. With 14.2% of residents age 65 and over, 16.7% under 18, and 9.7% experiencing disabilities, there’s a strong demand for specialists in pediatrics, geriatrics, and long-term care.
You’ll have a wide range of career paths to explore. From CNA to RN jobs, Portland offers diverse career opportunities for nurses, including the following:
- Nurse practitioner jobs in Portland, OR
- Nurse anesthetist jobs in Portland, OR
- Nurse midwife jobs in Portland, OR
- Registered nurse jobs in Portland, OR
- Licensed practical nurse jobs in Portland, OR
- Nursing assistant jobs in Portland, OR
- CMA jobs in Portland, OR
- HHA jobs in Portland, OR
- Medication aide jobs in Portland, OR
- Surgical tech jobs in Portland, OR
- Caregiver jobs in Portland, OR
Working in Portland, OR
With 15.5% of Portland’s workforce employed in healthcare and social assistance, nurses have diverse career options. Whether you're drawn to the fast pace of a hospital or the individualized care of an outpatient clinic, you'll find plenty of opportunities that align with your skills and career goals.
Drawn to acute care? You’ll find a world of nursing jobs in Portland in hospitals and medical centers:
- OHSU Hospital
- Providence St. Vincent Medical Center
- Providence Portland Medical Center
- Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center
- Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center
- PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center
- Adventis Health Portland
- Oregon Clinic
- Vibra Healthcare
If you’d prefer to work in post-acute care facilities, such as long-term care centers and nursing homes, there’s no shortage of opportunities. Oregon ranks 11 in the nation for its aging population, driving a strong need for compassionate and skilled nurses in these settings.
Not a fan of bedside care? Nursing jobs in Portland can also be found in public health organizations like American Red Cross, government institutions like State of Oregon, and research institutions such as Oregon Medical Research Center.
Now, if you haven’t decided on a career path yet, that’s okay. You’ll find plenty of new grad RN jobs in Portland. Oregon features several teaching hospitals, such as Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU), which are essential for preparing healthcare professionals for clinical roles.
Wondering how much time you’ll spend driving to work in Portland? On average, your commute will take about 26.1 minutes, which is close to the national norm. The majority of residents (57.7%) drive alone, 12.3% use public transportation, 8.9% carpool, and 7.6% work remotely.
Busy balancing career and family in Portland? Rest easy — whether it's a daycare center for your little ones or a trusted sitter for your pets, the city offers plenty of dependable options to keep everyone safe and happy while you conquer your workday.
Living in Portland, OR
Portland is packed with outdoor adventure. Love hiking? Explore over 80 miles of trails in Forest Park, just minutes from downtown. Multnomah Falls, a stunning 620-foot waterfall, is a must-see, just 30 minutes east of the city. And for a peaceful nature escape, head to the Portland Japanese Garden or Sauvie Island, where you can go berry picking in the summer or relax at Collins Beach.
The city has a rich cultural scene. The Portland Art Museum features a collection of over 50,000 objects, including Pacific Northwest art and post-WWII American photography. Feeling geeky? Head to the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, where you can see a submarine, do experiments in the science labs, and watch the stars in the planetarium. And for a dose of history, visit the Oregon Historical Society, where you can study about the fascinating past of the region.
Portland has earned a reputation for its vibrant food culture, especially when it comes to local and sustainable cuisine. The city is famous for food trucks that offer diverse international dishes, vegan-friendly restaurants, and a strong farm-to-table culture, all fueled by the region’s fertile agricultural land.
When it comes to culture and traditions, Portland is considered the most eco-conscious city in the U.S., with a focus on sustainability through green initiatives, such as recycling programs, extensive public transportation systems, and the promotion of biking. One of the city's oldest and most celebrated traditions is the Portland Rose Festival, which takes place each summer, and includes events like parades, a rose show, fireworks, and a carnival.
Wondering about Portland's weather? Summers are warm and dry; winters are cold and wet; and year-round temperatures generally range from 36 to 94 degrees. The best time to enjoy the warm weather is from early July to late August.
With all it has to offer, Portland’s cost of living is 27.7% higher than the national average. The average home price is $537,200, and renting costs about $1,930 per month — 35% above the national average.
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