Burien vs Seattle: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Burien, WA and Seattle, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Burien, WA | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $150,283 | $165,613▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $72.25 | $79.63▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $118,587 | $133,192▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $135,506▲ | $135,188 |
| 75th Percentile | $182,046▲ | $175,348 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $203,766▲ | $194,869 |
| Total Employed | 8 | N/A |
Verdict
Burien and Seattle are closely matched on overall nurse practitioner compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Burien and Seattle is $15,330 (10.20%). Seattle's median is +21.01% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Burien spans $85,179,Seattle spans $61,677. Burien has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Seattle ($149,022 effective) pays 6.50% more than Burien ($139,928 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Burien if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($203,766)
- ✓Larger job market (8 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($165,613/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $149,022)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Burien grew -6.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.4% growth in Seattle over the same period.
Burien, WA
$155,005 (2024) → $145,271 (2025)
Seattle, WA
$126,700 (2019) → $160,090 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Burien, WA
Seattle, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Burien or Seattle?
What is the hourly rate difference between Burien and Seattle?
Should I relocate from Burien to Seattle as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Burien vs Seattle?
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