Portland vs Tualatin: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Portland, OR and Tualatin, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Portland, OR | Tualatin, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $169,248▲ | $146,571 |
| Hourly Rate | $81.37▲ | $70.46 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $108,672 | $114,644▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $139,162▲ | $134,212 |
| 75th Percentile | $178,930▲ | $170,113 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $224,163▲ | $204,996 |
| Total Employed | 1,110▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Portland, OR offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Tualatin.
The salary gap between Portland and Tualatin is $22,677 (15.47%). Portland's median is +20.55% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Portland spans $115,491,Tualatin spans $90,352. Portland has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Portland ($160,545 effective) pays 12.38% more than Tualatin ($142,857 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($169,248/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($224,163)
- ✓Larger job market (1,110 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $160,545)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Tualatin if…
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Portland grew 42.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.0% growth in Tualatin over the same period.
Portland, OR
$114,660 (2019) → $163,810 (2025)
Tualatin, OR
$130,113 (2024) → $141,861 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Portland, OR
Tualatin, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Portland or Tualatin?
What is the hourly rate difference between Portland and Tualatin?
Should I relocate from Portland to Tualatin as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Portland vs Tualatin?
Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.32% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov