Olympia vs Renton: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Olympia, WA and Renton, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Olympia, WA | Renton, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $139,146 | $142,442▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $66.90 | $68.48▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $91,885▲ | $82,617 |
| 25th Percentile | $115,474▲ | $102,559 |
| 75th Percentile | $164,348 | $182,326▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $178,304 | $220,785▲ |
| Total Employed | 630▲ | 27 |
Verdict
Renton, WA offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Olympia.
The salary gap between Olympia and Renton is $3,296 (2.37%). Renton's median is -14.79% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Olympia spans $86,419,Renton spans $138,168. Renton has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced lawyers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Olympia ($134,220 effective) pays 1.20% more than Renton ($132,628 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 (630 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $134,220)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Renton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($142,442/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($220,785)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Olympia grew 30.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -21.9% growth in Renton over the same period.
Olympia, WA
$102,150 (2019) → $132,900 (2025)
Renton, WA
$174,124 (2024) → $136,048 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Olympia, WA
Renton, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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