Bellevue vs Seattle: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Bellevue, WA and Seattle, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bellevue, WA | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $136,394▲ | $135,071 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.58▲ | $64.93 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $91,190 | $104,278▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $108,106 | $110,091▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $157,838▲ | $144,043 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $202,498▲ | $172,593 |
| Total Employed | 26 | 39,900▲ |
Verdict
Bellevue, WA offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Seattle.
The salary gap between Bellevue and Seattle is $1,323 (0.98%). Bellevue's median is +32.77% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bellevue spans $111,308,Seattle spans $68,315. Bellevue 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, Bellevue ($126,996 effective) pays 4.49% more than Seattle ($121,540 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bellevue if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($136,394/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($202,498)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $126,996)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Larger job market (39,900 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Bellevue grew 9.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 43.7% growth in Seattle over the same period.
Bellevue, WA
$118,300 (2024) → $129,517 (2025)
Seattle, WA
$89,270 (2019) → $128,260 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bellevue, WA
Seattle, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Bellevue or Seattle?
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Should I relocate from Bellevue to Seattle 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