Bellingham vs Seattle: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Bellingham, WA and Seattle, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bellingham, WA | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,228 | $90,574▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.02 | $43.55▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,320 | $74,392▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $76,495 | $85,152▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $89,972 | $102,127▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,916 | $109,199▲ |
| Total Employed | 220 | 3,470▲ |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bellingham.
The salary gap between Bellingham and Seattle is $7,346 (8.83%). Seattle's median is +33.06% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bellingham spans $34,596,Seattle spans $34,807. Seattle has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Seattle ($81,501 effective) pays 1.19% more than Bellingham ($80,543 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bellingham if…
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($90,574/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($109,199)
- ✓Larger job market (3,470 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $81,501)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Bellingham grew 59.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 43.2% growth in Seattle over the same period.
Bellingham, WA
$49,350 (2019) → $78,740 (2025)
Seattle, WA
$59,860 (2019) → $85,690 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bellingham, WA
Seattle, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Bellingham or Seattle?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bellingham and Seattle?
Should I relocate from Bellingham to Seattle as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Bellingham vs Seattle?
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