Seattle vs Bellingham: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Seattle, WA and Bellingham, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Seattle, WA | Bellingham, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $165,613▲ | $152,992 |
| Hourly Rate | $79.63▲ | $73.55 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $133,192▲ | $110,278 |
| 25th Percentile | $135,188 | $138,975▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $175,348▲ | $171,603 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $194,869▲ | $175,068 |
| Total Employed | N/A | 150 |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bellingham.
The salary gap between Seattle and Bellingham is $12,621 (8.25%). 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 Seattle spans $61,677,Bellingham spans $64,790. Bellingham 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 0.65% more than Bellingham ($148,056 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Bellingham if…
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Seattle grew 26.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 42.0% growth in Bellingham over the same period.
Seattle, WA
$126,700 (2019) → $160,090 (2025)
Bellingham, WA
$104,180 (2019) → $147,890 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Seattle, WA
Bellingham, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Seattle or Bellingham?
What is the hourly rate difference between Seattle and Bellingham?
Should I relocate from Seattle to Bellingham as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Seattle vs Bellingham?
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