Portland vs The Dalles: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Portland, OR and The Dalles, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Portland, OR | The Dalles, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $258,866▲ | $236,672 |
| Hourly Rate | $124.45▲ | $113.78 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $88,926 | $170,293▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $248,651▲ | $215,350 |
| 75th Percentile | $314,822▲ | $291,506 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $348,065▲ | $326,484 |
| Total Employed | 240▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Portland, OR offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to The Dalles.
The salary gap between Portland and The Dalles is $22,194 (9.38%). 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 Portland spans $259,139,The Dalles spans $156,191. 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 ($245,554 effective) pays 6.45% more than The Dalles ($230,674 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 ($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
Choose The Dalles if…
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Portland grew 21.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 0.7% growth in The Dalles over the same period.
Portland, OR
$202,260 (2019) → $246,070 (2025)
The Dalles, OR
$223,461 (2024) → $224,973 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Portland, OR
The Dalles, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Portland or The Dalles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Portland and The Dalles?
Should I relocate from Portland to The Dalles as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Portland vs The Dalles?
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