Olympia vs Seattle: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Olympia, WA and Seattle, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Olympia, WA | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $76,277▲ | $67,237 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.67▲ | $32.33 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,106▲ | $37,609 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,920▲ | $37,609 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,286▲ | $84,208 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,471 | $99,494▲ |
| Total Employed | 80 | 1,120▲ |
Verdict
Olympia and Seattle are closely matched on overall physical therapist assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Olympia and Seattle is $9,040 (13.44%). 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 Olympia spans $51,365,Seattle spans $61,885. Seattle has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapist assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Olympia ($73,577 effective) pays 21.61% more than Seattle ($60,501 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Olympia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($76,277/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,577)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($99,494)
- ✓Larger job market (1,120 employed)
- ✓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 5.0% growth in Seattle over the same period.
Olympia, WA
$56,850 (2020) → $74,250 (2025)
Seattle, WA
$62,310 (2019) → $65,450 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Olympia, WA
Seattle, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Olympia or Seattle?
What is the hourly rate difference between Olympia and Seattle?
Should I relocate from Olympia to Seattle as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Olympia vs Seattle?
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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