Bellingham vs Kennewick: Plumber Salary (2026)
Compare plumber salaries between Bellingham, WA and Kennewick, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bellingham, WA | Kennewick, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,339▲ | $99,578 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.64▲ | $47.88 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,870▲ | $48,923 |
| 25th Percentile | $65,100▲ | $62,158 |
| 75th Percentile | $148,182▲ | $130,416 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $148,182 | $149,556▲ |
| Total Employed | 540 | 840▲ |
Verdict
Bellingham and Kennewick are closely matched on overall plumber compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Bellingham and Kennewick is $5,761 (5.79%). Bellingham's median is +61.05% compared to the US national median of $65,408.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bellingham spans $97,312,Kennewick spans $100,633. Kennewick has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced plumbers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bellingham ($101,940 effective) pays 2.45% more than Kennewick ($99,499 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bellingham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,339/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,940)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Kennewick if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($149,556)
- ✓Larger job market (840 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Bellingham grew 69.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.1% growth in Kennewick over the same period.
Bellingham, WA
$60,800 (2019) → $102,750 (2025)
Kennewick, WA
$84,360 (2019) → $97,130 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bellingham, WA
Kennewick, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays plumbers more: Bellingham or Kennewick?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bellingham and Kennewick?
Should I relocate from Bellingham to Kennewick as a plumber?
What do entry-level plumbers earn in Bellingham vs Kennewick?
Related Comparisons
Written by Samuel Torres, CWP
Career Analyst
Samuel Torres has 10 years of experience in plumbing. He specializes in residential plumbing systems. He has worked with several home improvement companies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.52% 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 Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov