Bellingham vs Olympia: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Bellingham, WA and Olympia, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bellingham, WA | Olympia, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $166,614▲ | $159,051 |
| Hourly Rate | $80.10▲ | $76.47 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $116,772▲ | $115,243 |
| 25th Percentile | $145,506▲ | $135,659 |
| 75th Percentile | $175,313▲ | $171,604 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $209,512 | $254,116▲ |
| Total Employed | 120▲ | 90 |
Verdict
Bellingham, WA offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Olympia.
The salary gap between Bellingham and Olympia is $7,563 (4.76%). Bellingham's median is +18.68% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bellingham spans $92,740,Olympia spans $138,873. Olympia has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physician assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bellingham ($161,238 effective) pays 5.10% more than Olympia ($153,420 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bellingham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($166,614/year)
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $161,238)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Olympia if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($254,116)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Bellingham grew 61.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.8% growth in Olympia over the same period.
Bellingham, WA
$99,690 (2019) → $161,260 (2025)
Olympia, WA
$140,240 (2019) → $153,940 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bellingham, WA
Olympia, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Bellingham or Olympia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bellingham and Olympia?
Should I relocate from Bellingham to Olympia as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Bellingham vs Olympia?
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Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.32% 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 Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov