Pay differences across Oregon’s nursing workforce are more complex than raw numbers suggest. By collecting responses from over 1,800 RNs across every region and setting, the Oregon Center for Nursing uncovers how practice environment, role, and geography shape wage trends. Unlike national wage datasets, this report delivers precise, Oregon-specific insights that are critical for workforce planners and nurse leaders.
A standout feature of this research is its detailed regional analysis, highlighting how nurses in less populated areas often enjoy stronger wage-to-cost-of-living ratios than those in metro areas, despite lower nominal salaries. This challenges longstanding employer assumptions and reframes conversations around rural recruitment. The nuanced wage breakdowns by position and education further underscore how diverse nursing roles experience compensation inequity in different ways.
Stakeholders will find in this study a compelling case for data-driven policy and program development. Whether it’s addressing compensation fairness or improving retention through more competitive wage structures, the report equips decision-makers with the tools to act. This localized analysis helps translate workforce complexity into actionable insights for Oregon’s healthcare system.
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