Bend vs Portland: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Bend, OR and Portland, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bend, OR | Portland, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $250,373 | $258,866▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $120.37 | $124.45▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $171,360▲ | $88,926 |
| 25th Percentile | $222,198 | $248,651▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $304,563 | $314,822▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $369,634▲ | $348,065 |
| Total Employed | 15 | 240▲ |
Verdict
Portland, OR offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bend.
The salary gap between Bend and Portland is $8,493 (3.39%). 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 Bend spans $198,274,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 0.63% more than Bend ($244,028 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bend if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($369,634)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($258,866/year)
- ✓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 Bend grew 0.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.7% growth in Portland over the same period.
Bend, OR
$236,398 (2024) → $237,997 (2025)
Portland, OR
$202,260 (2019) → $246,070 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Portland, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Bend or Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bend and Portland?
Should I relocate from Bend to Portland as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Bend 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