Academic Advisor.
Portland.
$53,000
median salary, 10% above the national average
$42,000 to $69,000. Updated for 2026.
The numbers.
Everything you need to negotiate with confidence.
Here is what Academic Advisors actually make in Portland: $42,000 at the 25th percentile, $53,000 at the median, and $69,000 at the 75th. That is 10% above the national average. Portland's tech scene is anchored by Intel's semiconductor campus and a strong cluster of sportswear and creative companies including Nike and Adidas. The number on your offer letter will depend on what you bring and how you ask.
Salary range
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How Portland compares
Portland, OR
$53,000
Cost of living: 10% above average
National Average
$48,000
Portland is $5,000 above
What you should know
If you are interviewing for Academic Advisor roles in Portland, here is what you are walking into. Portland's tech scene is anchored by Intel's semiconductor campus and a strong cluster of sportswear and creative companies including Nike and Adidas. The city attracts professionals who value work life balance and sustainability. Salaries are moderate compared to Seattle, but the lower cost of living makes Portland a solid value proposition. Institution type, caseload size, and specialization in areas like pre-medical advising or student-athlete support drive pay differences. Advisors at large research universities and well-funded private institutions earn 15 to 25% more than those at community colleges or small colleges.
Entry-level Academic Advisors earn $38,000 to $44,000. Experienced advisors with specialized caseloads reach $46,000 to $56,000. Senior Advisors and Assistant Directors command $55,000 to $70,000, while Directors of Academic Advising at large universities earn $72,000 to $95,000. In Portland, cost of living sits near the national average, so the numbers you see are roughly what you keep.
Base salary is not the full picture. University employment typically includes tuition remission worth $5,000 to $20,000 annually, pension contributions, and generous PTO. Health insurance benefits at universities are often stronger than private sector equivalents. Summer schedules may be lighter but not eliminated. And on the tax side: oregon has no sales tax, but state income tax rates climb to 9.9%. Portland adds a local arts tax and metro supportive housing tax. Factor these into your net pay calculations. When someone quotes you $53,000, ask what the total package looks like. The gap between base and total comp is where real money hides.
On negotiation: Highlight your willingness to work hybrid in Portland's tech campuses. Intel, Nike, and other major employers reward in person collaboration with higher compensation bands. The range for Academic Advisors in Portland runs from $42,000 to $69,000. That is not a narrow window. Where you land inside it depends almost entirely on whether you negotiate and how well you prepare.
Top industries in Portland
Negotiating in Portland
Highlight your willingness to work hybrid in Portland's tech campuses. Intel, Nike, and other major employers reward in person collaboration with higher compensation bands.