On the same salary, a Washington paycheck is noticeably bigger than an Oregon one. Washington has no income tax on wages, while Oregon's rate reaches 8.75% on taxable income above just $11,400 for single filers. Our 2026 estimates put the gap at about $4,500 a year for a single worker earning $65,000.
Both states take something out of your check beyond federal taxes, though, and Oregon has no sales tax. Here's how Washington vs Oregon taxes compare on real paychecks, with the caveats that matter.
Payroll taxes in each state
Federal income tax, Social Security (6.2% up to $184,500 in wages) and Medicare (1.45%) are the same in both states. The differences are in state deductions.
| Item | Washington | Oregon |
|---|---|---|
| State income tax on wages | None | 4.75% to 9.9% |
| Standard deduction | Not applicable | $2,910 single, $5,820 married |
| Personal exemption credit | Not applicable | $256 single, $512 married |
| Other employee payroll taxes | WA Cares Fund 0.58%; Paid Family and Medical Leave premium | Statewide transit tax 0.1%; Paid Leave Oregon |
| Local income taxes | None noted | Portland-area Metro and Multnomah County preschool taxes on higher incomes |
Washington
Washington doesn't tax wages; it taxes only large capital gains. Employees pay 0.58% of wages to the WA Cares Fund, the state's long-term care program, plus a share of the Paid Family and Medical Leave premium. Our calculator includes WA Cares but not the paid leave premium yet.
Oregon
Oregon has four brackets for single filers: 4.75% up to $4,550 of taxable income, 6.75% up to $11,400, 8.75% up to $125,000 and 9.9% above that. Married brackets are twice as wide. Because the 8.75% rate kicks in so early, most Oregon workers pay 8.75% on the bulk of their taxable pay. Employees also pay a 0.1% statewide transit tax and contribute to Paid Leave Oregon. Our calculator includes the transit tax but not the Paid Leave Oregon contribution.
Washington vs Oregon taxes at three income levels
These estimates assume monthly pay (12 paychecks) and no 401(k) or benefit deductions.
| Salary and status | Washington take-home | Oregon take-home | Yearly difference | Per month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $65,000 single | $54,031 | $49,485 | $4,546 | $379 |
| $95,000 single | $75,112 | $68,085 | $7,027 | $586 |
| $140,000 married filing jointly | $115,338 | $105,419 | $9,919 | $827 |
Oregon income tax takes roughly 7.5% to 7.9% of gross pay across these examples. That's high for middle incomes, and it's why the gap is large even at $65,000.
Why Oregon's figures are estimates
Oregon lets you subtract part of your federal income tax when figuring state tax. Our calculator doesn't apply this subtraction, so the Oregon numbers above are likely too high and the real gap is somewhat smaller. Treat them as an upper-end estimate, and check the Oregon Department of Revenue for exact figures.
Worked example: $95,000 single, paid monthly
| Per monthly paycheck | Washington | Oregon |
|---|---|---|
| Gross pay | $7,916.67 | $7,916.67 |
| Federal income tax | $1,005.83 | $1,005.83 |
| Social Security | $490.83 | $490.83 |
| Medicare | $114.79 | $114.79 |
| State income tax | $0.00 | $623.57 |
| WA Cares (0.58%) / Oregon transit tax (0.1%) | $45.92 | $7.92 |
| Take-home pay | $6,259.30 | $5,673.73 |
Washington's WA Cares deduction is bigger than Oregon's transit tax, but it's small next to Oregon's $623.57 monthly income tax estimate. The Washington worker keeps about $586 more per month. Try your own numbers with the Washington paycheck calculator and the Oregon paycheck calculator, or use the main paycheck calculator.
Living in one state and working in the other
Many people in the Portland and Vancouver area cross the state line for work, and this is where the comparison gets interesting.
- Live in Washington, work in Oregon: Oregon generally taxes nonresidents on wages earned for work done in Oregon. Living in Washington doesn't shield Oregon-sourced pay from Oregon income tax.
- Live in Oregon, work in Washington: As an Oregon resident, you generally owe Oregon tax on all your income, including wages earned in Washington, even though Washington doesn't withhold any state income tax. You may need to make estimated payments to Oregon if your employer doesn't withhold for it.
The details depend on your situation, so check with the Oregon Department of Revenue or a tax professional. Our guide to living in one state and working in another explains the general rules.
Beyond the paycheck
Oregon has no sales tax, while Washington relies on sales tax to fund much of what an income tax would. If you spend a large share of your income on taxable purchases, that narrows the difference somewhat. Housing and other living costs vary by city too. For a fuller picture, see our guide to comparing salaries across states and our list of the highest state income tax rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Washington have a state income tax?
Washington doesn't tax wages. It taxes only large capital gains, so most paychecks show no state income tax line.
What is the WA Cares deduction on my pay stub?
WA Cares is Washington's long-term care insurance program. Employees pay 0.58% of wages into it through payroll.
What is Oregon's top income tax rate?
Oregon's top rate is 9.9%, which applies to taxable income over $125,000 for single filers and over $250,000 for married couples filing jointly.
Why does Oregon tax middle incomes so heavily?
Oregon's 8.75% bracket starts at $11,400 of taxable income for single filers, so most of a typical salary is taxed at that rate. The state has no sales tax and leans on income tax instead.
Sources
- Tax Foundation: State Individual Income Tax Rates and Brackets, 2026
- IRS Publication 15, Employer's Tax Guide
- IRS: Estimated Taxes
Run the numbers for your state
Written and checked against IRS, Social Security Administration and state tax agency publications for the 2026 tax year. General information, not tax, legal or financial advice. Read our editorial policy, calculation methodology and sources.