Ashland vs Portland: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Ashland, OR and Portland, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ashland, OR | Portland, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $242,048 | $258,866▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $116.37 | $124.45▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $161,999▲ | $88,926 |
| 25th Percentile | $221,488 | $248,651▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $285,039 | $314,822▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $336,376 | $348,065▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 240▲ |
Verdict
Portland, OR offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ashland.
The salary gap between Ashland and Portland is $16,818 (6.95%). Portland's median is +4.01% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ashland spans $174,377,Portland spans $259,139. Portland has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse anesthetists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Portland ($245,554 effective) pays 4.09% more than Ashland ($235,914 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ashland if…
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($258,866/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($348,065)
- ✓Larger job market (240 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $245,554)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Ashland grew 0.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.7% growth in Portland over the same period.
Ashland, OR
$228,538 (2024) → $230,084 (2025)
Portland, OR
$202,260 (2019) → $246,070 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ashland, OR
Portland, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Ashland or Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ashland and Portland?
Should I relocate from Ashland to Portland as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Ashland vs Portland?
Written by Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA
Career Analyst
Alexandra Johnson has 10 years of experience as a nurse anesthetist. She specializes in anesthesia for orthopedic surgeries. She works in a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.20% 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 Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA, a licensed nurse anesthetist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov