Seattle vs Tacoma: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Seattle, WA and Tacoma, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Seattle, WA | Tacoma, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $135,071▲ | $132,818 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.93▲ | $63.86 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $104,278▲ | $91,410 |
| 25th Percentile | $110,091▲ | $107,415 |
| 75th Percentile | $144,043 | $159,836▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $172,593 | $200,245▲ |
| Total Employed | 39,900▲ | 56 |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tacoma.
The salary gap between Seattle and Tacoma is $2,253 (1.70%). 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,Tacoma spans $108,835. Tacoma 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, Tacoma ($123,667 effective) pays 1.75% 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 Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($135,071/year)
- ✓Larger job market (39,900 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Tacoma if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($200,245)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $123,667)
- ✓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 7.4% growth in Tacoma over the same period.
Seattle, WA
$89,270 (2019) → $128,260 (2025)
Tacoma, WA
$117,479 (2024) → $126,121 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Seattle, WA
Tacoma, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Seattle or Tacoma?
What is the hourly rate difference between Seattle and Tacoma?
Should I relocate from Seattle to Tacoma as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Seattle vs Tacoma?
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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