Federal Way vs Seattle: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Federal Way, WA and Seattle, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Federal Way, WA | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $108,936 | $109,929▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $52.38 | $52.85▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,616▲ | $66,384 |
| 25th Percentile | $90,723 | $97,398▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $129,483 | $136,344▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $144,910 | $148,526▲ |
| Total Employed | 22 | 2,950▲ |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Federal Way.
The salary gap between Federal Way and Seattle is $993 (0.91%). Seattle's median is +4.41% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Federal Way spans $63,294,Seattle spans $82,142. Seattle has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Federal Way ($101,430 effective) pays 2.54% more than Seattle ($98,917 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Federal Way if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,430)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($109,929/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($148,526)
- ✓Larger job market (2,950 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Federal Way grew 0.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.7% growth in Seattle over the same period.
Federal Way, WA
$105,366 (2024) → $106,321 (2025)
Seattle, WA
$90,360 (2019) → $107,290 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Federal Way, WA
Seattle, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Federal Way or Seattle?
What is the hourly rate difference between Federal Way and Seattle?
Should I relocate from Federal Way to Seattle as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Federal Way vs Seattle?
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Written by Alex Morgan, DPT
Career Analyst
Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% 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 Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov