Seattle vs Yakima: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Seattle, WA and Yakima, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Seattle, WA | Yakima, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $172,844▲ | $141,104 |
| Hourly Rate | $83.10▲ | $67.84 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $135,163▲ | $126,205 |
| 25th Percentile | $162,037▲ | $134,306 |
| 75th Percentile | $186,720▲ | $155,114 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $226,240▲ | $172,658 |
| Total Employed | 1,920▲ | 120 |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Yakima.
The salary gap between Seattle and Yakima is $31,740 (22.49%). 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,Yakima spans $46,453. Seattle 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, Seattle ($155,529 effective) pays 5.31% more than Yakima ($147,683 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)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($226,240)
- ✓Larger job market (1,920 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $155,529)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Yakima if…
- ✓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 38.0% growth in Yakima over the same period.
Seattle, WA
$134,860 (2019) → $167,290 (2025)
Yakima, WA
$98,930 (2019) → $136,570 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Seattle, WA
Yakima, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Seattle or Yakima?
What is the hourly rate difference between Seattle and Yakima?
Should I relocate from Seattle to Yakima as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Seattle vs Yakima?
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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