Olympia vs Richland: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Olympia, WA and Richland, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Olympia, WA | Richland, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $76,277 | $76,535▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $36.67 | $36.80▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,106 | $53,214▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $51,920 | $66,208▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $85,286 | $87,068▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,471 | $97,570▲ |
| Total Employed | 80▲ | 15 |
Verdict
Richland, WA offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Olympia.
The salary gap between Olympia and Richland is $258 (0.34%). Richland's median is +8.95% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Olympia spans $51,365,Richland spans $44,356. Olympia 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 3.25% more than Richland ($71,262 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Olympia if…
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,577)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Richland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($76,535/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($97,570)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Olympia grew 30.6% from 2020 to 2025, compared to -4.7% growth in Richland over the same period.
Olympia, WA
$56,850 (2020) → $74,250 (2025)
Richland, WA
$78,150 (2024) → $74,501 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Olympia, WA
Richland, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Olympia or Richland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Olympia and Richland?
Should I relocate from Olympia to Richland as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Olympia vs Richland?
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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