Moses Lake vs Olympia: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Moses Lake, WA and Olympia, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Moses Lake, WA | Olympia, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,503 | $85,987▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $38.71 | $41.34▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,910 | $67,141▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $76,411 | $80,501▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $94,765 | $100,531▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,206 | $104,432▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 330▲ |
Verdict
Olympia, WA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Moses Lake.
The salary gap between Moses Lake and Olympia is $5,484 (6.81%). Olympia's median is +26.32% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Moses Lake spans $35,296,Olympia spans $37,291. Olympia 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, Olympia ($82,943 effective) pays 10.66% more than Moses Lake ($74,956 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Moses Lake if…
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Olympia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($85,987/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($104,432)
- ✓Larger job market (330 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $82,943)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Moses Lake grew 2.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 41.5% growth in Olympia over the same period.
Moses Lake, WA
$74,597 (2024) → $76,162 (2025)
Olympia, WA
$57,490 (2019) → $81,350 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Moses Lake, WA
Olympia, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Moses Lake or Olympia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Moses Lake and Olympia?
Should I relocate from Moses Lake to Olympia as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Moses Lake 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