Seattle vs Tacoma: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Seattle, WA and Tacoma, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Seattle, WA | Tacoma, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $90,574▲ | $89,064 |
| Hourly Rate | $43.55▲ | $42.82 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,392▲ | $66,866 |
| 25th Percentile | $85,152▲ | $80,084 |
| 75th Percentile | $102,127 | $109,817▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $109,199 | $123,657▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,470▲ | 56 |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tacoma.
The salary gap between Seattle and Tacoma is $1,510 (1.70%). 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 Seattle spans $34,807,Tacoma spans $56,791. Tacoma 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, Tacoma ($82,927 effective) pays 1.75% more than Seattle ($81,501 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($90,574/year)
- ✓Larger job market (3,470 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Tacoma if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($123,657)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $82,927)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Seattle grew 43.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.6% growth in Tacoma over the same period.
Seattle, WA
$59,860 (2019) → $85,690 (2025)
Tacoma, WA
$78,319 (2024) → $84,261 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Seattle, WA
Tacoma, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Seattle or Tacoma?
What is the hourly rate difference between Seattle and Tacoma?
Should I relocate from Seattle to Tacoma as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Seattle vs Tacoma?
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