Seattle vs Olympia: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Seattle, WA and Olympia, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Seattle, WA | Olympia, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $109,929▲ | $107,327 |
| Hourly Rate | $52.85▲ | $51.60 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,384 | $82,736▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $97,398▲ | $92,819 |
| 75th Percentile | $136,344▲ | $129,069 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $148,526▲ | $132,245 |
| Total Employed | 2,950▲ | 180 |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Olympia.
The salary gap between Seattle and Olympia is $2,602 (2.42%). Seattle's median is +4.41% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Seattle spans $82,142,Olympia spans $49,509. 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, Olympia ($103,528 effective) pays 4.66% more than Seattle ($98,917 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 ($109,929/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($148,526)
- ✓Larger job market (2,950 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Olympia if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,528)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Seattle grew 18.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 16.4% growth in Olympia over the same period.
Seattle, WA
$90,360 (2019) → $107,290 (2025)
Olympia, WA
$89,980 (2019) → $104,750 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Seattle, WA
Olympia, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Seattle or Olympia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Seattle and Olympia?
Should I relocate from Seattle to Olympia as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Seattle vs Olympia?
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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