Kirkland vs Seattle: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Kirkland, WA and Seattle, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kirkland, WA | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,168 | $90,574▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $39.99 | $43.55▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,016 | $74,392▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $73,971 | $85,152▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $97,416 | $102,127▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $105,541 | $109,199▲ |
| Total Employed | 13 | 3,470▲ |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Kirkland.
The salary gap between Kirkland and Seattle is $7,406 (8.90%). 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 Kirkland spans $43,525,Seattle spans $34,807. Kirkland 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 ($81,501 effective) pays 5.25% more than Kirkland ($77,438 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kirkland 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 Kirkland grew 2.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 43.2% growth in Seattle over the same period.
Kirkland, WA
$77,066 (2024) → $78,683 (2025)
Seattle, WA
$59,860 (2019) → $85,690 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kirkland, WA
Seattle, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Kirkland or Seattle?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kirkland and Seattle?
Should I relocate from Kirkland to Seattle as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Kirkland 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