Lake Stevens vs Seattle: Radiologist Salary (2026)
Compare radiologist salaries between Lake Stevens, WA and Seattle, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lake Stevens, WA | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $459,022 | $522,558▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $220.69 | $251.23▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $266,233 | $303,084▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $330,496 | $376,241▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $533,982 | $635,138▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $609,875 | $756,117▲ |
| Total Employed | 9 | 116▲ |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for radiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lake Stevens.
The salary gap between Lake Stevens and Seattle is $63,536 (13.84%). Seattle's median is +18.25% compared to the US national median of $441,903.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lake Stevens spans $343,642,Seattle spans $453,033. Seattle has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced radiologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Seattle ($486,553 effective) pays 13.84% more than Lake Stevens ($427,395 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lake Stevens if…
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($522,558/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($756,117)
- ✓Larger job market (116 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $486,553)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologist salaries in Lake Stevens grew 2.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 2.6% growth in Seattle over the same period.
Lake Stevens, WA
$425,883 (2024) → $437,164 (2025)
Seattle, WA
$484,831 (2024) → $497,674 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lake Stevens, WA
Seattle, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays radiologists more: Lake Stevens or Seattle?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lake Stevens and Seattle?
Should I relocate from Lake Stevens to Seattle as a radiologist?
What do entry-level radiologists earn in Lake Stevens vs Seattle?
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Written by Dr. Maria Chen, MD
Career Analyst
Dr. Chen has 10 years of experience in diagnostic radiology. She specializes in imaging techniques for oncology. She works at a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.00% 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 Dr. Maria Chen, MD, a licensed radiologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov