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Travel Nursing in Oregon
Oregon's travel nursing market centers on the Portland metro, where Providence Health, OHSU (Oregon Health & Science University), Legacy Health, and Kaiser Permanente Northwest operate major facilities. OHSU is the state's flagship academic medical center perched atop Marquam Hill, offering high-acuity travel assignments. Smaller cities like Salem, Eugene, and Bend have growing healthcare markets serving expanding populations.
Oregon is not a compact license state, but its strong pay packages, outdoor lifestyle, and progressive culture attract travel nurses nationwide. The state has no sales tax, and Portland's food scene, craft beer culture, and proximity to the coast, mountains, and Columbia River Gorge make it a lifestyle-rich destination. The Willamette Valley's wine country and the Oregon Coast provide weekend escapes during any 13-week assignment.
Quick Stats
Agencies
40+
Avg Weekly Pay
$2,600-$3,800/wk
Compact License
No
Oregon is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact. You must obtain an Oregon RN license through the Oregon State Board of Nursing.
Top Cities
PortlandSalemEugeneBendMedford
Top Agencies for Oregon
These agencies are known for strong Oregon assignment inventories, competitive pay, and solid recruiter support.
Licensing Information
Oregon does not participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact. All travel nurses must obtain an Oregon RN license through the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN).
Processing Time: Processing times average 4 to 8 weeks.
Tips for a Smooth Application
- Begin your Oregon license application at least 10 weeks before your start date.
- Oregon has no sales tax.
- Request license verification through Nursys.
- OSBN offers an online application portal.
Popular Cities in Oregon
Portland
Portland is Oregon's healthcare hub with OHSU, Providence, Legacy, and Kaiser operating major facilities. The city's food carts, craft breweries, and quirky culture make it a travel nurse favorite. Housing costs have risen but remain below Seattle and San Francisco.
Salem
Salem Health serves the state capital. Affordable housing and proximity to both Portland and the Oregon Coast make it a practical choice.
Eugene
PeaceHealth Sacred Heart serves this University of Oregon college town. Eugene offers a vibrant counterculture, running trails, and Willamette Valley wine country access.
Bend
St. Charles Health System serves Central Oregon's booming Bend market. Outdoor recreation (skiing, mountain biking, hiking) is exceptional but housing is expensive and limited.
Medford
Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center serves Southern Oregon. The Rogue Valley offers mild climate, wine country, and affordable housing.
Popular Specialties in Oregon
ICU
OHSU's complex ICUs drive premium demand for critical care travel nurses in Portland.
ER
Portland's trauma centers and rural Oregon ERs create consistent emergency nurse demand.
OR
OHSU's surgical programs and orthopedic volumes in Bend drive OR demand.
Med Surg
Growing communities across Oregon maintain steady med surg travel demand.
Housing Notes
Portland averages $1,500-$2,000/month for a one-bedroom. Bend is $1,400-$1,800. Salem and Eugene are $1,100-$1,500. Medford is $1,000-$1,400. Agency stipends of $1,800-$2,400/week cover most areas.
Nursing Schools in Oregon
Top nursing programs for those looking to build or advance their career.
Average Pay by Specialty
Weekly gross pay ranges for travel nurses in Oregon, based on current market data.
| Specialty | Weekly Pay Range |
|---|---|
| ICU | $3,000-$4,000/wk |
| ER | $2,800-$3,800/wk |
| OR | $2,900-$3,900/wk |
| Med Surg | $2,400-$3,200/wk |
| Telemetry | $2,600-$3,400/wk |
| L&D | $2,700-$3,600/wk |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Oregon is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact.
No. Oregon has no sales tax, saving money on everyday purchases.
Portland offers strong pay, world-class dining and culture, and access to mountains, coast, and wine country. It is consistently popular.
Yes. Oregon has one of the highest income tax rates (up to 9.9%), but no sales tax partially offsets this.
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