Bellingham vs Olympia: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Bellingham, WA and Olympia, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bellingham, WA | Olympia, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,264 | $76,277▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.82 | $36.67▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,130 | $40,106▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $58,412▲ | $51,920 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,845 | $85,286▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,491▲ | $91,471 |
| Total Employed | 80 | 80 |
Verdict
Olympia, WA offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 2 out of 4 metrics compared to Bellingham.
The salary gap between Bellingham and Olympia is $8,013 (11.74%). Olympia's median is +8.58% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bellingham spans $52,361,Olympia spans $51,365. 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, Olympia ($73,577 effective) pays 11.38% more than Bellingham ($66,062 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bellingham if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($91,491)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Olympia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($76,277/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,577)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Bellingham grew 6.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 30.6% growth in Olympia over the same period.
Bellingham, WA
$62,310 (2019) → $66,450 (2025)
Olympia, WA
$56,850 (2020) → $74,250 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bellingham, WA
Olympia, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Bellingham or Olympia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bellingham and Olympia?
Should I relocate from Bellingham to Olympia as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Bellingham vs Olympia?
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Written by Jordan Lee, DPT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Jordan works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.73% 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 Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov