Lakewood vs Yakima: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Lakewood, WA and Yakima, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lakewood, WA | Yakima, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $149,182▲ | $143,651 |
| Hourly Rate | $71.72▲ | $69.06 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $108,380▲ | $103,936 |
| 25th Percentile | $136,462▲ | $130,885 |
| 75th Percentile | $179,396▲ | $152,527 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $200,079▲ | $168,437 |
| Total Employed | 14 | 200▲ |
Verdict
Lakewood, WA offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Yakima.
The salary gap between Lakewood and Yakima is $5,531 (3.85%). Lakewood's median is +9.00% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lakewood spans $91,699,Yakima spans $64,501. Lakewood 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, Yakima ($150,349 effective) pays 8.24% 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 Lakewood if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($149,182/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($200,079)
- ✓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 Lakewood grew -6.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 23.7% growth in Yakima over the same period.
Lakewood, WA
$153,871 (2024) → $144,207 (2025)
Yakima, WA
$112,300 (2019) → $138,860 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lakewood, WA
Yakima, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Lakewood or Yakima?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lakewood and Yakima?
Should I relocate from Lakewood to Yakima as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Lakewood 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