Washington vs Oregon: Healthcare Job Market Comparison
Pacific Northwest rivals. Washington has no state income tax. Oregon pays RNs among the top nationwide.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Washington | Oregon |
|---|---|---|
| Avg RN salary (BLS May 2024) | $115,740 | $120,470 |
| Cost of living (100 = US avg) | 114.4 | 114.1 |
| State income tax (top rate) | 0% | 9.9% |
Salary figures are approximate, drawn from public sources including BLS.
Notable Health Systems
Washington
- • UW Medicine
- • Providence
- • Virginia Mason Franciscan Health
- • MultiCare
Oregon
- • OHSU
- • Providence Health
- • Legacy Health
- • Kaiser Permanente
Frequently Asked Questions
Which state pays nurses more, Washington or Oregon?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024), registered nurses in Oregon earn an average of $120,470, compared to $115,740 in Washington. The gap is roughly $4,730 per year before adjusting for cost of living.
How does the cost of living compare between Washington and Oregon?
Using the MERIC Q4 2024 cost-of-living index (100 = national average), Washington is 114.4 and Oregon is 114.1. Oregon (114.1) is the more affordable of the two, while Washington (114.4) is more expensive. Housing is typically the largest driver of these differences.
Which state has a more favorable tax environment for healthcare providers?
Washington has a top state income tax rate of 0%, while Oregon's top rate is 9.9%. Always factor in property tax, sales tax, and local taxes before making a relocation decision. States with no income tax often offset through higher sales or property taxes.
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