Spokane vs Tacoma: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Spokane, WA and Tacoma, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Spokane, WA | Tacoma, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $146,889 | $162,851▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $70.61 | $78.29▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $112,802 | $121,273▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $130,595 | $142,568▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $164,620 | $201,438▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $189,355 | $229,988▲ |
| Total Employed | 530▲ | 56 |
Verdict
Tacoma, WA offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Spokane.
The salary gap between Spokane and Tacoma is $15,962 (10.87%). Tacoma's median is +18.99% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Spokane spans $76,553,Tacoma spans $108,715. Tacoma 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, Tacoma ($151,630 effective) pays 3.59% more than Spokane ($146,383 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Spokane if…
- ✓Larger job market (530 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Tacoma if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($162,851/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($229,988)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $151,630)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Spokane grew 4.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -0.2% growth in Tacoma over the same period.
Spokane, WA
$135,410 (2019) → $141,990 (2025)
Tacoma, WA
$157,726 (2024) → $157,420 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Spokane, WA
Tacoma, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Spokane or Tacoma?
What is the hourly rate difference between Spokane and Tacoma?
Should I relocate from Spokane to Tacoma as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Spokane vs Tacoma?
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