Olympia vs Richland: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer 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 | $139,146 | $144,922▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $66.90 | $69.68▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $91,885▲ | $84,054 |
| 25th Percentile | $115,474▲ | $104,344 |
| 75th Percentile | $164,348 | $185,499▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $178,304 | $224,629▲ |
| Total Employed | 630▲ | 15 |
Verdict
Richland, WA offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Olympia.
The salary gap between Olympia and Richland is $5,776 (4.15%). Richland's median is -13.31% 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,Richland spans $140,575. Richland 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, Richland ($134,937 effective) pays 0.53% more than Olympia ($134,220 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)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Richland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($144,922/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($224,629)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $134,937)
- ✓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 -19.3% growth in Richland over the same period.
Olympia, WA
$102,150 (2019) → $132,900 (2025)
Richland, WA
$171,496 (2024) → $138,416 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Olympia, WA
Richland, 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