Washington vs Oregon: Healthcare Job Market Comparison
Pacific Northwest rivals. Washington has no state income tax; Oregon pays RNs among the top nationwide.
Washington
15,435
physicians in directory
- Avg RN salary
- $115,740
- Avg physician salary
- $365,000
- Cost of living
- 114.4
- Top state income tax
- 0%
Oregon
9,531
physicians in directory
- Avg RN salary
- $120,470
- Avg physician salary
- $350,000
- Cost of living
- 114.1
- Top state income tax
- 9.9%
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Washington | Oregon |
|---|---|---|
| Physicians in directory | 15,435 | 9,531 |
| Cities served | 414 | 271 |
| Avg RN salary (BLS May 2024) | $115,740 | $120,470 |
| Avg physician salary | $365,000 | $350,000 |
| 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, Medscape, and Doximity compensation reports.
Top Cities for Providers
Notable Health Systems
Washington
- • UW Medicine
- • Providence
- • Virginia Mason Franciscan Health
- • MultiCare
Oregon
- • OHSU
- • Providence Health
- • Legacy Health
- • Kaiser Permanente
Medical Licensure Boards
Each state has its own medical board. Check fees, required CME hours, and reciprocity before applying.
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.
Which state has higher physician salaries, Washington or Oregon?
Aggregated compensation data shows physicians in Washington earn approximately $365,000 on average, compared to $350,000 in Oregon. Specialty and practice setting drive much larger variations than state averages suggest.
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.
How many physicians practice in Washington vs. Oregon?
The Ava Health directory lists 15,435 physicians in Washington across 414 cities, and 9,531 physicians in Oregon across 271 cities. The full directory also includes nurses and therapists in both states. All data is sourced from the CMS NPPES NPI registry and updated regularly.
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.
Other State Comparisons
Florida vs Texas
Two Sun Belt giants. Texas edges ahead on physician salary; Florida wins on retiree-driven demand.
California vs Texas
The nation's two largest healthcare markets. California pays nurses the most; Texas offers lower cost of living.
California vs New York
Coast-to-coast heavyweights. Both pay top 10 nationwide — the decision often comes down to lifestyle.
New York vs New Jersey
Same metro, different tax regime. NJ licensure offers similar pay with lower state income tax.
Texas vs Arizona
No-state-income-tax Texas vs. high-demand Arizona. Both are fast-growing healthcare markets.
North Carolina vs Virginia
Research Triangle vs. DC metro. Different healthcare ecosystems, comparable salaries.