Spokane vs Wenatchee: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Spokane, WA and Wenatchee, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Spokane, WA | Wenatchee, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,450▲ | $79,867 |
| Hourly Rate | $40.12▲ | $38.40 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,333 | $66,348▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $78,609▲ | $66,781 |
| 75th Percentile | $96,726▲ | $91,980 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,620▲ | $99,834 |
| Total Employed | 670▲ | 90 |
Verdict
Spokane, WA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wenatchee.
The salary gap between Spokane and Wenatchee is $3,583 (4.49%). Spokane's median is +22.59% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Spokane spans $36,287,Wenatchee spans $33,486. Spokane 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, Spokane ($83,162 effective) pays 8.14% 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 Spokane if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($83,450/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($101,620)
- ✓Larger job market (670 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $83,162)
- ✓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 Spokane grew 38.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 44.4% growth in Wenatchee over the same period.
Spokane, WA
$57,200 (2019) → $78,950 (2025)
Wenatchee, WA
$52,330 (2019) → $75,560 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Spokane, WA
Wenatchee, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Spokane or Wenatchee?
What is the hourly rate difference between Spokane and Wenatchee?
Should I relocate from Spokane to Wenatchee as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Spokane 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