Covington vs Seattle: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Covington, WA and Seattle, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Covington, WA | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $110,477 | $135,071▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $53.12 | $64.93▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,538 | $104,278▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $94,036 | $110,091▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $125,546 | $144,043▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $148,580 | $172,593▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 39,900▲ |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Covington.
The salary gap between Covington and Seattle is $24,594 (22.26%). Seattle's median is +31.48% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Covington spans $70,042,Seattle spans $68,315. Covington 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 ($121,540 effective) pays 18.15% more than Covington ($102,865 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Covington if…
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($135,071/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($172,593)
- ✓Larger job market (39,900 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $121,540)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Covington grew -3.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 43.7% growth in Seattle over the same period.
Covington, WA
$108,889 (2024) → $104,906 (2025)
Seattle, WA
$89,270 (2019) → $128,260 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Covington, WA
Seattle, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Covington or Seattle?
What is the hourly rate difference between Covington and Seattle?
Should I relocate from Covington to Seattle as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Covington vs Seattle?
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Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% 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 Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov