Bellevue vs Olympia: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Bellevue, WA and Olympia, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bellevue, WA | Olympia, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $91,462▲ | $85,987 |
| Hourly Rate | $43.97▲ | $41.34 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,036 | $67,141▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $80,885▲ | $80,501 |
| 75th Percentile | $108,508▲ | $100,531 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $125,194▲ | $104,432 |
| Total Employed | 26 | 330▲ |
Verdict
Bellevue, WA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Olympia.
The salary gap between Bellevue and Olympia is $5,475 (6.37%). Bellevue's median is +34.36% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bellevue spans $58,158,Olympia spans $37,291. Bellevue 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, Bellevue ($85,160 effective) pays 2.67% more than Olympia ($82,943 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bellevue if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($91,462/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($125,194)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $85,160)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Olympia if…
- ✓Larger job market (330 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Bellevue grew 9.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 41.5% growth in Olympia over the same period.
Bellevue, WA
$78,867 (2024) → $86,530 (2025)
Olympia, WA
$57,490 (2019) → $81,350 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bellevue, WA
Olympia, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Bellevue or Olympia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bellevue and Olympia?
Should I relocate from Bellevue to Olympia as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Bellevue vs Olympia?
Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% 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 Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov