Registered Nurse Salaries in Washington — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026Registered Nurses in Washington earn an average of $112,180 per year ($53.93/hr) according to the latest BLS data. The state currently employs around 64,690 registered nurses.
Registered Nurse salaries in Washington are above the national average by approximately $22,004. Washington has no state income tax.
Washington's strong economy and high demand for skilled workers drive competitive wages for registered nurses.
Washington Registered Nurse Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Washington after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Washington has no state income tax.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Washington has no state income tax. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Washington Registered Nurse Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Washington median of $112,180.
Registered Nurse Salary by Experience — Washington
Registered Nurse Salary Trend in Washington — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataOver the past five years, Washington has seen 13.9% wage growth for registered nurses — broadly in line with cost-of-living changes across the region. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Washington's healthcare and hospitals.
Registered Nurse Salary by City — Washington
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle | $124,500 | $59.86 | +11.0% | 22,641 |
| Spokane | $118,900 | $57.16 | +6.0% | 18,113 |
| Tacoma | $115,550 | $55.55 | +3.0% | 11,644 |
| Vancouver | $107,700 | $51.78 | -4.0% | 5,822 |
| Bellevue | $102,100 | $49.09 | -9.0% | 3,881 |
| Kirkland | $97,600 | $46.92 | -13.0% | 2,587 |
Tip: Seattle offers the highest registered nurse salaries in Washington at $124,500/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Washington vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Washington compares favourably for registered nurses.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Washington has no state income tax.
Registered Nurse Job Outlook in Washington
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for registered nurses in Washington is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Washington job market. Washington's strong economy and high demand for skilled workers drive competitive wages for registered nurses.
How to Earn More as a Registered Nurse in Washington
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a registered nurse in Washington typically adds $91,900 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Board of Nursing can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Seattle pays registered nurses $124,500/yr — +11.0% above the Washington average. Simply relocating within Washington can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Registered Nurses who specialise in healthcare and hospitals typically command premium rates in Washington. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Idaho pays registered nurses $86,100/yr — -23.2% vs Washington.
Find Registered Nurse Jobs in Washington
Live ListingsSearch current registered nurse job vacancies in Washington:
🔍 Registered Nurse jobs in Washington — Indeed→ 🔍 Registered Nurse jobs in Washington — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Registered Nurse jobs — Seattle, WA→