Kennewick vs Lakewood: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Kennewick, WA and Lakewood, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kennewick, WA | Lakewood, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $112,060 | $116,279▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $53.88 | $55.90▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $88,355▲ | $77,584 |
| 25th Percentile | $107,985▲ | $98,415 |
| 75th Percentile | $132,596 | $136,025▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $163,662 | $166,515▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,560▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Lakewood, WA offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Kennewick.
The salary gap between Kennewick and Lakewood is $4,219 (3.76%). Lakewood's median is +13.19% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kennewick spans $75,307,Lakewood spans $88,931. Lakewood has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced registered nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Kennewick ($111,972 effective) pays 3.42% more than Lakewood ($108,267 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kennewick if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,560 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $111,972)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Lakewood if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($116,279/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($166,515)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Kennewick grew 40.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -3.7% growth in Lakewood over the same period.
Kennewick, WA
$76,010 (2019) → $106,410 (2025)
Lakewood, WA
$114,607 (2024) → $110,416 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kennewick, WA
Lakewood, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Kennewick or Lakewood?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kennewick and Lakewood?
Should I relocate from Kennewick to Lakewood as a registered nurse?
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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