Entry-Level Nurse Practitioner Salary in Kenmore, WA: $117,391 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nurse practitioners entering the Kenmore, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $117,391 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1171, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kenmore's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $109,303 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($141,750) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a newly graduated nurse practitioner starting out in Kenmore, WA can expect an entry-level salary around $117,391. This initial figure presents a realistic entry point compared to the city’s overall median annual salary of $141,750, indicating a notable gap for new practitioners as they begin their careers. The growth potential in the first few years is promising; as early-career NPs gain experience, they can anticipate moving up through the salary range. New graduates can realistically aspire to earn approximately $130,664 as they approach more seasoned roles, which reflects their increasing value and expertise in a growing healthcare market that remains conducive for nursing professionals.
About the Kenmore Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($145,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kenmore
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kenmore
Entry-level nurse practitioners in Kenmore, WA typically start between $117,391 and $130,664 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $61,505 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $141,750 — 3.57% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average advanced practice nursing program cost in Washington of $100,000 represents just 85.19% of the starting nurse practitioner pay ($117,391/year) in Kenmore. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CCNE- and ACEN-accredited graduate nursing programs. Tuition varies significantly between public in-state MSN programs and private DNP programs, and often requires completed BSN coursework as a prerequisite.
NP Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Kenmore
- 1Research the Kenmore market: entry-level nurse practitioner pay ranges from $117,391 to $130,664, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the advanced practice nursing field — employers in WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Kenmore, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Kenmore for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kenmore's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Nurse Practitioner Compensation Range
The nurse practitioner wage spread in Kenmore is $61,505 ( 52.39%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $117,391, experienced hygienists can earn up to $178,896.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$91,159
2025 BLS Actual
$113,476
2026 Current Est.
$117,391
2019–2027 Growth
+33.2%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Practitioners in Kenmore (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.45% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $91,159 | Actual |
| 2020 | $92,895 | Actual |
| 2021 | $88,987 | Actual |
| 2022 | $97,799 | Actual |
| 2023 | $105,850 | Actual |
| 2024 | $119,861 | Actual |
| 2025 | $113,476 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $117,391 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $121,441 | Projected |
Entry-level nurse practitioner compensation (10th percentile) in Kenmore, WA grew 24.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $91,159 in 2019 to $113,476 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $121,441. New graduates entering the Kenmore job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kenmore metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.45% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your advanced practice nursing Career in Kenmore
Employers in Kenmore that are actively seeking newly graduated nurse practitioners typically include primary care clinics and urgent care chains, which often offer structured onboarding programs. Larger hospital systems may provide residency and fellowship opportunities specifically geared towards NPs, facilitating a smoother transition into practice. Meanwhile, PMHNP graduates frequently find opportunities with telehealth platforms catering to mental health needs, a sector currently experiencing significant demand. To enhance their earning potential, new NPs should ensure they possess an active RN license, an MSN or DNP from an accredited institution, and relevant national certifications from organizations like AANP or ANCC. Given the varying scope of practice across states, particularly between those with full-practice authority and physician collaboration agreements, NPs in their first few years should consider positioning themselves strategically within the Kenmore market. With the demand for qualified practitioners on the rise, particularly in mental health, realistic salary growth for these professionals is expected to be favorable, reflecting trends in the overall healthcare industry.
More salary data for Kenmore, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for nurse practitioners in Kenmore in 2026?
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Is advanced practice nursing school worth it in Kenmore?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new advanced practice nursing graduates. A 3.45% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Kenmore. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kenmore is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.45%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for nurse practitioners (SOC 29-1171).
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