Auburn vs Kennewick: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Auburn, WA and Kennewick, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Auburn, WA | Kennewick, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $149,242 | $152,992▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $71.75 | $73.55▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $108,367 | $123,488▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $133,321 | $135,747▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $179,596▲ | $170,279 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $199,800▲ | $194,869 |
| Total Employed | 23 | 180▲ |
Verdict
Kennewick, WA offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Auburn.
The salary gap between Auburn and Kennewick is $3,750 (2.51%). Kennewick's median is +11.78% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Auburn spans $91,433,Kennewick spans $71,381. Auburn 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, Kennewick ($152,871 effective) pays 10.01% more than Auburn ($138,959 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Auburn if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($199,800)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Kennewick if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($152,992/year)
- ✓Larger job market (180 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $152,871)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Auburn grew -6.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 37.9% growth in Kennewick over the same period.
Auburn, WA
$153,932 (2024) → $144,265 (2025)
Kennewick, WA
$107,260 (2019) → $147,890 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Auburn, WA
Kennewick, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Auburn or Kennewick?
What is the hourly rate difference between Auburn and Kennewick?
Should I relocate from Auburn to Kennewick as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Auburn vs Kennewick?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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 Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov