Bellingham vs Kennewick: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Bellingham, WA and Kennewick, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bellingham, WA | Kennewick, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $98,823 | $109,991▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.51 | $52.88▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,025 | $85,687▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $87,808 | $96,630▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $133,587 | $135,114▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $133,587 | $142,747▲ |
| Total Employed | 160 | 190▲ |
Verdict
Kennewick, WA offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bellingham.
The salary gap between Bellingham and Kennewick is $11,168 (11.30%). Kennewick's median is +4.47% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bellingham spans $57,562,Kennewick spans $57,060. 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, Kennewick ($109,904 effective) pays 14.92% more than Bellingham ($95,635 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bellingham if…
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Kennewick if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($109,991/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($142,747)
- ✓Larger job market (190 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,904)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Bellingham grew 21.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 33.8% growth in Kennewick over the same period.
Bellingham, WA
$79,100 (2019) → $96,450 (2025)
Kennewick, WA
$80,240 (2019) → $107,350 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bellingham, WA
Kennewick, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Bellingham or Kennewick?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bellingham and Kennewick?
Should I relocate from Bellingham to Kennewick as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Bellingham vs Kennewick?
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Written by Alex Morgan, DPT
Career Analyst
Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% 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 Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov