Bellingham vs Olympia: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer 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 | $137,660 | $139,146▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $66.18 | $66.90▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,058 | $91,885▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $103,245 | $115,474▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $169,111▲ | $164,348 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $175,017 | $178,304▲ |
| Total Employed | 190 | 630▲ |
Verdict
Olympia, WA offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bellingham.
The salary gap between Bellingham and Olympia is $1,486 (1.08%). Olympia's median is -16.77% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bellingham spans $89,959,Olympia spans $86,419. 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 ($134,220 effective) pays 0.75% more than Bellingham ($133,218 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bellingham if…
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Olympia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($139,146/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($178,304)
- ✓Larger job market (630 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $134,220)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Bellingham grew 64.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 30.1% growth in Olympia over the same period.
Bellingham, WA
$80,000 (2019) → $131,480 (2025)
Olympia, WA
$102,150 (2019) → $132,900 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bellingham, WA
Olympia, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays lawyers more: Bellingham or Olympia?
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Written by Alexandra Chen, JD
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in corporate law. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions. Alexandra works at a mid-sized law firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.70% 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 Alexandra Chen, JD, a licensed lawyer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov