Certified Nursing Assistant Jobs in Portland, OR

Portland, Oregon$44,200 USD/yearFull-timeTech Hub
Updated: April 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About Certified Nursing Assistant Jobs in Portland

Looking for a Certified Nursing Assistant job in Portland? You're in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know about working as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Portland, OR.

We'll show you what you can expect to earn. We'll also share which companies are hiring. Plus, you'll learn about the cost of living and how to get started in your job search.

Portland has a strong job market for Certified Nursing Assistants. Many employers are actively looking for talent. Read on to learn how to land your next role.

Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Portland

Entry Level
$30,940
Median
$44,200
Senior Level
$59,800

Certified Nursing Assistant salaries in Portland are 30% above the national average, reflecting the competitive local market.

Purchasing power in Portland is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

Patient CareVital SignsADL AssistanceCommunicationDocumentation

Certified Nursing Assistant Job Market in Portland

Portland, OR is a major regional employment hub for Certified Nursing Assistant professionals. As a mid-sized metro with 653K residents, Portland balances career opportunities with quality of life. The city's strong Technology and Manufacturing sectors create robust demand for Certified Nursing Assistant talent. The market for Certified Nursing Assistant positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Certified Nursing Assistants in Portland

OHSUProvidenceLegacy HealthKaiser Permanente

Major employers hiring Certified Nursing Assistants in Portland include OHSU, Providence, Legacy Health, Kaiser Permanente. With major hospital systems and research institutions, Portland offers excellent opportunities for healthcare professionals at all career stages. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Certified Nursing Assistants in Portland

Living in Portland as a Certified Nursing Assistant means navigating a cost of living that's above the national average at 130% of baseline. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. At median Certified Nursing Assistant salary, rent would consume about 49% of gross income - above the recommended 30% threshold. Consider roommates or suburban options. Suburban apartments average $1,400/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

130
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.8K
Avg Rent/Month
Yes
Tech Hub
Tier 2
Market Size

Commuting as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Portland

Portland MAX Light Rail, streetcar, and extensive bus/bike infrastructure. The average commute time is 26 minutes. Portland is very bike-friendly - many commute by bike year-round. MAX reaches Nike, Intel, and downtown tech corridor.

Best neighborhoods for Certified Nursing Assistants in Portland: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Certified Nursing Assistant professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in Oregon

Oregon has relatively high state income taxes. A Certified Nursing Assistant earning $44,200 might pay approximately $3,536 in state income tax. However, Oregon's strong job market and quality of life often offset the higher tax burden.

Career Outlook for Certified Nursing Assistants

The job outlook for Certified Nursing Assistants in Portland is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. Portland's growing economy creates new positions regularly, often with less competition than coastal tech hubs. In-demand skills include Patient Care, Vital Signs, ADL Assistance, Communication.

Relocating to Portland

Oregon has higher state income taxes. Factor this into salary negotiations, as gross salary comparisons can be misleading. The Pacific Northwest has mild temperatures but significant rainfall. Invest in quality rain gear and embrace the indoor coffee culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Certified Nursing Assistant salary in Portland, OR?

The average Certified Nursing Assistant salary in Portland, OR is $44,200 per year. Entry-level Certified Nursing Assistants typically start around $30,940, while experienced professionals can earn $59,800 or more. The national average for Certified Nursing Assistant roles is $34,000.

How many Certified Nursing Assistant jobs are available in Portland?

Portland has a strong job market with regular openings for Certified Nursing Assistant professionals. Major employers hiring Certified Nursing Assistants include OHSU, Providence, Legacy Health, Kaiser Permanente. The Technology and Manufacturing sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Portland a good city for Certified Nursing Assistants?

Portland is an excellent choice for Certified Nursing Assistants. As a major metro area, it offers abundant opportunities and competitive salaries. The cost of living is reasonable compared to major coastal cities. The city's technology industry creates strong demand for healthcare professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Certified Nursing Assistants in Portland?

Top skills for Certified Nursing Assistants in Portland include Patient Care, Vital Signs, ADL Assistance, Communication, Documentation. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Certified Nursing Assistants in Portland?

Portland's cost of living is above the national average (130% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Purchasing power in Portland is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Certified Nursing Assistants in Portland?

Portland MAX Light Rail, streetcar, and extensive bus/bike infrastructure. The average commute is 26 minutes. Portland is very bike-friendly - many commute by bike year-round.

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