Seattle vs Wenatchee: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Seattle, WA and Wenatchee, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Seattle, WA | Wenatchee, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $135,071▲ | $118,242 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.93▲ | $56.85 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $104,278▲ | $94,389 |
| 25th Percentile | $110,091▲ | $107,163 |
| 75th Percentile | $144,043▲ | $134,260 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $172,593▲ | $146,749 |
| Total Employed | 39,900▲ | 1,330 |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wenatchee.
The salary gap between Seattle and Wenatchee is $16,829 (14.23%). 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 Seattle spans $68,315,Wenatchee spans $52,360. Seattle 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 6.75% more than Wenatchee ($113,853 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 ($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
Choose Wenatchee if…
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Seattle grew 43.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 36.1% growth in Wenatchee over the same period.
Seattle, WA
$89,270 (2019) → $128,260 (2025)
Wenatchee, WA
$82,500 (2019) → $112,280 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Seattle, WA
Wenatchee, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Seattle or Wenatchee?
What is the hourly rate difference between Seattle and Wenatchee?
Should I relocate from Seattle to Wenatchee 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