Ellensburg vs Yakima: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Ellensburg, WA and Yakima, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ellensburg, WA | Yakima, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $144,032▲ | $143,651 |
| Hourly Rate | $69.25▲ | $69.06 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $115,437▲ | $103,936 |
| 25th Percentile | $129,973 | $130,885▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $165,420▲ | $152,527 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $177,531▲ | $168,437 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 200▲ |
Verdict
Ellensburg, WA offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Yakima.
The salary gap between Ellensburg and Yakima is $381 (0.27%). Ellensburg's median is +5.24% 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,Yakima spans $64,501. Yakima 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, Yakima ($150,349 effective) pays 12.11% 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…
- ✓Higher median salary ($144,032/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($177,531)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Yakima if…
- ✓Larger job market (200 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $150,349)
- ✓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 23.7% growth in Yakima over the same period.
Ellensburg, WA
$148,559 (2024) → $139,229 (2025)
Yakima, WA
$112,300 (2019) → $138,860 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ellensburg, WA
Yakima, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Ellensburg or Yakima?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ellensburg and Yakima?
Should I relocate from Ellensburg to Yakima as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Ellensburg vs Yakima?
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