Kennewick vs Lakewood: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Kennewick, WA and Lakewood, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kennewick, WA | Lakewood, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $152,992▲ | $149,182 |
| Hourly Rate | $73.55▲ | $71.72 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $123,488▲ | $108,380 |
| 25th Percentile | $135,747 | $136,462▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $170,279 | $179,396▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $194,869 | $200,079▲ |
| Total Employed | 180▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Kennewick, WA offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lakewood.
The salary gap between Kennewick and Lakewood is $3,810 (2.55%). 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 Kennewick spans $71,381,Lakewood spans $91,699. Lakewood 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, Kennewick ($152,871 effective) pays 10.06% more than Lakewood ($138,903 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Lakewood if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($200,079)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Kennewick grew 37.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -6.3% growth in Lakewood over the same period.
Kennewick, WA
$107,260 (2019) → $147,890 (2025)
Lakewood, WA
$153,871 (2024) → $144,207 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kennewick, WA
Lakewood, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Kennewick or Lakewood?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kennewick and Lakewood?
Should I relocate from Kennewick to Lakewood as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Kennewick vs Lakewood?
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