Lake Stevens vs Seattle: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Lake Stevens, WA and Seattle, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lake Stevens, WA | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $146,028 | $165,613▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $70.20 | $79.63▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $120,566 | $133,192▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $135,455▲ | $135,188 |
| 75th Percentile | $167,301 | $175,348▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $180,703 | $194,869▲ |
| Total Employed | 9 | N/A |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lake Stevens.
The salary gap between Lake Stevens and Seattle is $19,585 (13.41%). 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 Lake Stevens spans $60,137,Seattle spans $61,677. Seattle 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, Seattle ($149,022 effective) pays 9.60% more than Lake Stevens ($135,966 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lake Stevens if…
- ✓Larger job market (9 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($165,613/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($194,869)
- ✓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 Lake Stevens grew -6.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.4% growth in Seattle over the same period.
Lake Stevens, WA
$150,617 (2024) → $141,158 (2025)
Seattle, WA
$126,700 (2019) → $160,090 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lake Stevens, WA
Seattle, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Lake Stevens or Seattle?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lake Stevens and Seattle?
Should I relocate from Lake Stevens to Seattle as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Lake Stevens 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