Olympia vs Wenatchee: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Olympia, WA and Wenatchee, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Olympia, WA | Wenatchee, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $85,987▲ | $79,867 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.34▲ | $38.40 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,141▲ | $66,348 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,501▲ | $66,781 |
| 75th Percentile | $100,531▲ | $91,980 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $104,432▲ | $99,834 |
| Total Employed | 330▲ | 90 |
Verdict
Olympia, WA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wenatchee.
The salary gap between Olympia and Wenatchee is $6,120 (7.66%). 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 Olympia spans $37,291,Wenatchee spans $33,486. Olympia 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, Olympia ($82,943 effective) pays 7.85% more than Wenatchee ($76,902 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Wenatchee if…
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Olympia grew 41.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 44.4% growth in Wenatchee over the same period.
Olympia, WA
$57,490 (2019) → $81,350 (2025)
Wenatchee, WA
$52,330 (2019) → $75,560 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Olympia, WA
Wenatchee, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Olympia or Wenatchee?
What is the hourly rate difference between Olympia and Wenatchee?
Should I relocate from Olympia to Wenatchee as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Olympia vs Wenatchee?
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