Spokane vs Tumwater: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Spokane, WA and Tumwater, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Spokane, WA | Tumwater, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,450 | $86,774▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.12 | $41.72▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,333 | $66,787▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $78,609 | $81,983▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $96,726 | $98,455▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,620 | $112,847▲ |
| Total Employed | 670▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Tumwater, WA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Spokane.
The salary gap between Spokane and Tumwater is $3,324 (3.98%). Tumwater's median is +27.48% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Spokane spans $36,287,Tumwater spans $46,060. Tumwater has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Spokane ($83,162 effective) pays 2.93% more than Tumwater ($80,795 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Spokane if…
- ✓Larger job market (670 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $83,162)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Tumwater if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($86,774/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($112,847)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Spokane grew 38.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.5% growth in Tumwater over the same period.
Spokane, WA
$57,200 (2019) → $78,950 (2025)
Tumwater, WA
$75,695 (2024) → $82,095 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Spokane, WA
Tumwater, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Spokane or Tumwater?
What is the hourly rate difference between Spokane and Tumwater?
Should I relocate from Spokane to Tumwater as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Spokane vs Tumwater?
Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% 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 Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov