Ellensburg vs Spokane: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Ellensburg, WA and Spokane, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ellensburg, WA | Spokane, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $144,032 | $146,889▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $69.25 | $70.61▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $115,437▲ | $112,802 |
| 25th Percentile | $129,973 | $130,595▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $165,420▲ | $164,620 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $177,531 | $189,355▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 530▲ |
Verdict
Spokane, WA offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ellensburg.
The salary gap between Ellensburg and Spokane is $2,857 (1.98%). Spokane's median is +7.32% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ellensburg spans $62,094,Spokane spans $76,553. Spokane has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse practitioners.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Spokane ($146,383 effective) pays 9.15% more than Ellensburg ($134,108 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ellensburg if…
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Spokane if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($146,889/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($189,355)
- ✓Larger job market (530 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $146,383)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Ellensburg grew -6.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 4.9% growth in Spokane over the same period.
Ellensburg, WA
$148,559 (2024) → $139,229 (2025)
Spokane, WA
$135,410 (2019) → $141,990 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ellensburg, WA
Spokane, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Ellensburg or Spokane?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ellensburg and Spokane?
Should I relocate from Ellensburg to Spokane as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Ellensburg vs Spokane?
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