Federal Way vs Spokane: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Federal Way, WA and Spokane, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Federal Way, WA | Spokane, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $108,936▲ | $102,142 |
| Hourly Rate | $52.38▲ | $49.11 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,616 | $82,091▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $90,723▲ | $89,622 |
| 75th Percentile | $129,483▲ | $125,237 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $144,910▲ | $130,175 |
| Total Employed | 22 | 580▲ |
Verdict
Federal Way, WA offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Spokane.
The salary gap between Federal Way and Spokane is $6,794 (6.65%). Federal Way's median is +3.46% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Federal Way spans $63,294,Spokane spans $48,084. Federal Way 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, Spokane ($101,790 effective) pays 0.35% more than Federal Way ($101,430 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Federal Way if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($108,936/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($144,910)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Spokane if…
- ✓Larger job market (580 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,790)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Federal Way grew 0.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.0% growth in Spokane over the same period.
Federal Way, WA
$105,366 (2024) → $106,321 (2025)
Spokane, WA
$79,120 (2019) → $99,690 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Federal Way, WA
Spokane, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Federal Way or Spokane?
What is the hourly rate difference between Federal Way and Spokane?
Should I relocate from Federal Way to Spokane as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Federal Way vs Spokane?
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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