Bellingham vs Spokane: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Bellingham, WA and Spokane, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bellingham, WA | Spokane, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $152,992▲ | $146,889 |
| Hourly Rate | $73.55▲ | $70.61 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $110,278 | $112,802▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $138,975▲ | $130,595 |
| 75th Percentile | $171,603▲ | $164,620 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $175,068 | $189,355▲ |
| Total Employed | 150 | 530▲ |
Verdict
Bellingham and Spokane are closely matched on overall nurse practitioner compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Bellingham and Spokane is $6,103 (4.15%). Bellingham's median is +11.78% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bellingham spans $64,790,Spokane spans $76,553. Spokane has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse practitioners.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bellingham ($148,056 effective) pays 1.14% more than Spokane ($146,383 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bellingham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($152,992/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $148,056)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Spokane if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($189,355)
- ✓Larger job market (530 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Bellingham grew 42.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 4.9% growth in Spokane over the same period.
Bellingham, WA
$104,180 (2019) → $147,890 (2025)
Spokane, WA
$135,410 (2019) → $141,990 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bellingham, WA
Spokane, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Bellingham or Spokane?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bellingham and Spokane?
Should I relocate from Bellingham to Spokane as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Bellingham vs Spokane?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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 Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov