Oregon Nursing Assistant (CNA) Salary
Explore the complete guide to CNA compensation. Review mean pay, percentiles, local hospital job demand, and specific Board of Nursing (BON) requirements.
State Mean
$49,830
Annual Salary
State Hourly
$25.08
Per hour
COL Adjusted Pay
$43,903
True Purchasing Power
vs National
+26%
Above US Mean
Our nursing salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
Data
reviewed by 
sirI, MSN, APRN, NP
on March 2026
for accuracy.
Salary Range & Percentiles
Salaries for Nursing Assistants in Oregon range from $43,210 (entry-level) to $61,310 (highly experienced) annually.
CNA Salary by Metro Area in Oregon
Nursing Assistant salaries vary significantly across metro areas in Oregon. Click any column header to sort, matching the Specialty rankings table behavior.
| Metro Area | Annual | Hourly | vs State Mean |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro | $50,350 | $25.32 | +1.0% |
| Bend | $50,080 | $24.95 | +0.5% |
| Grants Pass | $49,770 | $25.35 | -0.1% |
| Salem | $48,840 | $25.08 | -2.0% |
| Corvallis | $48,830 | $24.18 | -2.0% |
| Albany | $48,550 | $24.19 | -2.6% |
| Eugene-Springfield | $48,320 | $24.02 | -3.0% |
| Medford | $47,890 | $24.41 | -3.9% |
| Eugene | $44,140 | $21.58 | -11.4% |
| Bend-Redmond | $43,090 | $21.81 | -13.5% |
Top Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Oregon
Oregon is home to leading healthcare facilities. Based on CMS quality ratings, the highest-rated hospitals where CNAs are in demand include:
Portland VA Medical Center
Asante Three Rivers Medical Center
Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center
Providence St Vincent Medical Center
Oregon BON & Education Requirements
To practice as a Nursing Assistant and earn the salaries listed above, the Oregon State Board of Nursing requires strict licensure and certification steps.
-
1
Active RN License: You must hold an active, unencumbered RN license in the state of Oregon.
-
2
Graduate Education: Completion of an accredited MSN or DNP program with a specific Nursing Assistant track. Top Programs: University of Portland and Sumner College
-
3
National Certification: Pass the relevant national certification exam provided by a recognized credentialing body (e.g., ANCC, AACN, NCC).
-
4
Advanced Practice Licensure: Apply for a Nurse Practitioner license or Furnishing Number through the state BON to prescribe medications.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Nursing Assistant make in Oregon?
As of 2025, the median Nursing Assistant salary in Oregon is $49,830 per year or $25.08 per hour. This is 26% above the national median.
What is the starting salary for a new grad CNA in Oregon?
Entry-level Nursing Assistants in Oregon typically start around the 10th percentile, earning $43,210. With 5-10 years of experience, CNAs can expect to reach the median salary of $49,830 or higher.
Is Oregon a good state for CNA salaries when considering the cost of living?
Oregon has a cost of living index of 1.14. When adjusting the raw median salary of $49,830 for local expenses, the true purchasing power is approximately $43,903. Keep in mind that housing and living costs may offset the premium pay.
How much does an CNA make an hour in Oregon?
The median hourly wage for an CNA in Oregon is $25.08. Those in the top 90th percentile, often working in specialized or high-acuity roles, can make upwards of $29.48 per hour.
Which hospitals hire the most CNAs in Oregon?
Salaries and demand vary by facility, but large medical centers and specialty units generally offer the highest compensation. In Oregon, top employers hiring CNAs include Portland VA Medical Center, Asante Three Rivers Medical Center, Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center, Providence St Vincent Medical Center.
What are the requirements to become an CNA in Oregon?
To practice as a Nursing Assistant in Oregon, you must hold an active RN license, graduate from an accredited program, pass the relevant national certification exam, and apply for advanced practice licensure through the Oregon State Board of Nursing.
Are there CNA programs in Oregon?
Yes, aspiring Nursing Assistants can attend local programs such as University of Portland and Sumner College. Alternatively, many Oregon nurses opt for accredited online programs that arrange clinical placements at local hospitals.
Is there a high demand for Nursing Assistants in Oregon?
Yes, the demand for Nursing Assistants remains strong in Oregon, particularly in metro areas supporting large healthcare systems. Job growth is projected to remain steady as facilities seek specialized providers to manage complex patient care.