Bellingham vs Seattle: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Bellingham, WA and Seattle, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bellingham, WA | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $166,614 | $172,844▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $80.10 | $83.10▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $116,772 | $135,163▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $145,506 | $162,037▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $175,313 | $186,720▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $209,512 | $226,240▲ |
| Total Employed | 120 | 1,920▲ |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bellingham.
The salary gap between Bellingham and Seattle is $6,230 (3.74%). Seattle's median is +23.12% 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,Seattle spans $91,077. Bellingham 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, Bellingham ($161,238 effective) pays 3.67% more than Seattle ($155,529 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bellingham if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $161,238)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($172,844/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($226,240)
- ✓Larger job market (1,920 employed)
- ✓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 24.0% growth in Seattle over the same period.
Bellingham, WA
$99,690 (2019) → $161,260 (2025)
Seattle, WA
$134,860 (2019) → $167,290 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bellingham, WA
Seattle, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Bellingham or Seattle?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bellingham and Seattle?
Should I relocate from Bellingham to Seattle as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Bellingham vs Seattle?
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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