PACU Travel Nurse Salary in Portland, Oregon
City-specific pay, GSA stipends, cost of living verdict, and step-by-step guide for Post-Anesthesia Care Unit travel nurses heading to Portland.
Last updated: March 11, 2026
Last Financially Reviewed:
Reviewed by Michael Torres, CPA, EA, Travel Nurse Tax Specialist
Avg Hourly (PACU)
$53/hr
Portland, OR
Total Weekly Package
$3,884
Taxable + stipends
Est. Weekly Net
$3,165
After ~33.9% tax
Housing Economics Verdict
Profitable: PACU in Portland
GSA Housing (Monthly Est.)
$5,547/mo
$183/night × 30 days
Avg 1BR Rent
$1,700/mo
COL index: 130.8
Monthly Margin
+3,847/mo
Stipend covers rent
Oregon PACU Pay Ranking
Out of 50 states for PACU travel nurses
Weekly Taxable Pay
$2,120
Max Weekly Stipend
$1,764
Annual Potential
$110,240
Tax estimate: 9.9% state + ~24% federal on taxable wages. Stipends are tax-free when GSA rate limits are observed.
Calculate Your PACU Pay in Portland
Enter your contract details to see your precise take-home pay, adjusted for Portland's GSA rates and cost of living index of 130.8.
Travel Nurse Pay Breakdown
Estimate your take-home pay, taxes, and blended rate in seconds.
Same state assignment. You'll pay 9.9% state tax plus 24% federal tax.
Overtime (Optional)
Blended Hourly Rate
$89.78
Based on 36 hours in OR.
Gross Weekly Pay
$3,232
Taxable Weekly Income
$1,944
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$659
True Net Weekly Pay
$2,573
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Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$33,449
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$66,898
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$133,795
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$2,573
per week
Taxes
$659
per week
Total Gross: $3,232 per week
🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis
Your Weekly Housing Stipend
$840
≈ $3,637/month
Est. 1BR Rent in Oregon
$1,400
Monthly average
✅ Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money
+$2,237
Your stipend covers rent with $2,237 left over each month.
Find apartments under $1,400/month in Portland:
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Cost of Living Analysis in Oregon
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
National average = 100. Oregon's cost of living is higher than the national average by 30.8 points.
💡 High cost of living area. Ensure your pay compensates for the increased expenses.
Housing Cost: High
Utilities: Moderate
Rent data based on 2025 market averages. Actual rent may vary by neighborhood and housing type.
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2026 GSA Per Diem Rates — Portland
These city-specific rates set the maximum tax-free stipend ceiling for PACU travel nurses working in Portland. Stipend amounts above these limits are taxable.
Lodging
$183/night
$1,281/week
Meals & Incidentals
$69/day
$483/week
Total Weekly Max
$1,764
Tax-free stipend ceiling
Source: U.S. General Services Administration (GSA.gov) 2026 per diem rates. City-specific rates apply when the work location is more than 50 miles from your tax home.
Requirements for PACU Travel Nurses in Oregon
PACU Certifications Required
- BLS
- ACLS
- 2+ years PACU experience
Oregon Licensing
Hospitals Hiring PACU Travel Nurses in Portland
- OHSU Hospital
- Providence Portland
- Legacy Health
Other Specialties in Portland
ICU
~$55/hr
Very HighER
~$54/hr
Very HighOR
~$56/hr
HighLabor & Delivery
~$52/hr
HighMed-Surg
~$48/hr
Very HighNICU
~$54/hr
HighPICU
~$55/hr
HighPsychiatric
~$49/hr
ModerateOncology
~$51/hr
HighOther Oregon Cities for PACU Travel Nurses
View all Oregon cities →Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do PACU travel nurses make in Portland?
Post-Anesthesia Care Unit travel nurses in Portland earn approximately $53/hr in taxable wages ($2,120/week). Including GSA stipends up to $1,764/week tax-free, the total weekly package can reach $3,884. Annual potential is $110,240 working full-time.
What are the 2026 GSA rates for Portland?
The 2026 GSA per diem rates for Portland are: Lodging $183/night, Meals $64/day, and Incidentals $5/day. Maximum weekly tax-free stipend: $1,764. These rates set the ceiling for tax-free travel nurse stipends — amounts above these limits become taxable.
Is Portland affordable for travel nurses?
The cost of living index in Portland is 130.8 (above the national average of 100). Average 1-bedroom rent is $1,700/month. The GSA lodging stipend covers ~$5,547/month, leaving a surplus of $3,847/month. Your stipend should fully cover average rent.
What certifications do PACU travel nurses need for Oregon assignments?
Post-Anesthesia Care Unit travel nurses need: BLS, ACLS, 2+ years PACU experience. For Oregon specifically: Oregon is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state — multistate license holders can work in Portland without additional licensing.
Which hospitals in Portland hire PACU travel nurses?
Top hospitals in Portland that hire Post-Anesthesia Care Unit travel nurses include: OHSU Hospital, Providence Portland, Legacy Health. Contact these hospitals directly or use an agency to find open PACU positions in Portland.
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