Seattle vs Olympia: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Seattle, WA and Olympia, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Seattle, WA | Olympia, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $172,844▲ | $159,051 |
| Hourly Rate | $83.10▲ | $76.47 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $135,163▲ | $115,243 |
| 25th Percentile | $162,037▲ | $135,659 |
| 75th Percentile | $186,720▲ | $171,604 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $226,240 | $254,116▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,920▲ | 90 |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Olympia.
The salary gap between Seattle and Olympia is $13,793 (8.67%). 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 Seattle spans $91,077,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, Seattle ($155,529 effective) pays 1.37% 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 Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($172,844/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,920 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $155,529)
- ✓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 Seattle grew 24.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.8% growth in Olympia over the same period.
Seattle, WA
$134,860 (2019) → $167,290 (2025)
Olympia, WA
$140,240 (2019) → $153,940 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Seattle, WA
Olympia, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Seattle or Olympia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Seattle and Olympia?
Should I relocate from Seattle to Olympia as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Seattle 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