Physical Therapist Pay

Kennewick vs Seattle: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare physical therapist salaries between Kennewick, WA and Seattle, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Kennewick, WA
$109,991
$52.88/hr
Seattle, WA
$109,929
$52.85/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricKennewick, WASeattle, WA
Median Salary$109,991$109,929
Hourly Rate$52.88$52.85
Entry Level (P10)$85,687$66,384
25th Percentile$96,630$97,398
75th Percentile$135,114$136,344
Top Earner (P90)$142,747$148,526
Total Employed1902,950
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Kennewick ($109,991) and Seattle ($109,929) physical therapist salaries.KennewickSeattleMedian Salary$109,991$109,929Entry Level (P10)$85,687$66,384Top Earner (P90)$142,747$148,526US Median $105,288

Verdict

Kennewick and Seattle are closely matched on overall physical therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Kennewick and Seattle is $62 (0.06%). 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 Kennewick spans $57,060,Seattle spans $82,142. Seattle has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapists.

Kennewick
P10 (Entry)$85,687
P25$96,630
Median$109,991
P75$135,114
P90 (Top)$142,747
Seattle
P10 (Entry)$66,384
P25$97,398
Median$109,929
P75$136,344
P90 (Top)$148,526

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Kennewick ($109,904 effective) pays 11.11% more than Seattle ($98,917 effective).

Kennewick
Nominal: $109,991
CoL Index: 100.079
Adjusted: $109,904
Seattle
Nominal: $109,929
CoL Index: 111.133
Adjusted: $98,917

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Kennewick if…

  • Higher median salary ($109,991/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,904)
  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Choose Seattle if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($148,526)
  • Larger job market (2,950 employed)
  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Kennewick grew 33.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.7% growth in Seattle over the same period.

Kennewick, WA

+33.8%

$80,240 (2019) → $107,350 (2025)

Seattle, WA

+18.7%

$90,360 (2019) → $107,290 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapists more: Kennewick or Seattle?

Kennewick has a higher median physical therapist salary at $109,991/year, compared to Seattle at $109,929/year — a difference of $62 (0.06%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Kennewick and Seattle?

Kennewick physical therapists earn $52.88/hr while Seattle hygienists earn $52.85/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Kennewick to Seattle as a physical therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Kennewick and Seattle. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Kennewick = $109,904, Seattle = $98,917), job availability (190 vs 2,950 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Kennewick vs Seattle?

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapists earn $85,687 in Kennewick and $66,384 in Seattle. The Kennewick area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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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.

Clinically reviewed by Jordan Lee, DPTData verified by Maria Garcia, DPT

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