Washington Registered Nurse (RN) Salary
Explore the complete guide to RN compensation. Review mean pay, percentiles, local hospital job demand, and specific Board of Nursing (BON) requirements.
State Mean
$124,200
Annual Salary
State Hourly
$58.43
Per hour
COL Adjusted Pay
$107,906
True Purchasing Power
vs National
+33%
Above US Mean
Our nursing salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, supplemented by real-time job posting salary data for current market comparison.
Data
reviewed by 
sirI, MSN, RN, APRN, NP
on March 2026
for accuracy.
Salary Range & Percentiles
Salaries for Registered Nurses in Washington range from $89,630 (entry-level) to $161,910 (highly experienced) annually.
RN Salary by Metro Area in Washington
Registered Nurse salaries vary significantly across metro areas in Washington. Click any column header to sort, matching the Specialty rankings table behavior.
| Metro Area | Annual | Hourly | vs State Mean |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue | $128,260 | $60.76 | +3.3% |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater | $125,020 | $56.30 | +0.7% |
| Walla Walla | $116,970 | $54.06 | -5.8% |
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee | $112,280 | $53.99 | -9.6% |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley | $111,750 | $54.46 | -10.0% |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard | $107,220 | $56.05 | -13.7% |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes | $106,730 | $53.46 | -14.1% |
| Kennewick-Richland | $106,410 | $55.08 | -14.3% |
| Wenatchee | $104,300 | $50.23 | -16.0% |
| Longview-Kelso | $103,740 | $53.03 | -16.5% |
| Yakima | $102,950 | $53.71 | -17.1% |
| Olympia-Tumwater | $101,250 | $51.60 | -18.5% |
| Longview | $101,250 | $52.02 | -18.5% |
| Bremerton-Silverdale | $97,570 | $51.30 | -21.4% |
| Bellingham | $90,410 | $51.25 | -27.2% |
Job Market Salary Data
Compare official BLS survey data with actual salary ranges from recent job postings. Based on 23 job postings in Washington over the past 12 months.
Current Job Openings in Washington
40 Registered Nurse positions currently available in Washington.
Top Hospitals Hiring RNs in Washington
Washington is home to leading healthcare facilities. Based on CMS quality ratings, the highest-rated hospitals where RNs are in demand include:
Seattle VA Medical Center (Va Puget Sound Healthcare System)
Virginia Mason Medical Center
Evergreenhealth Medical Center
Spokane VA Medical Center
Washington BON & Education Requirements
To practice as a Registered Nurse and earn the salaries listed above, the Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON) requires strict licensure and certification steps.
-
1
Active RN License: You must hold an active, unencumbered RN license in the state of Washington.
-
2
Graduate Education: Completion of an accredited MSN or DNP program with a specific Registered Nurse track. Top Programs: University of Washington-Seattle Campus and University of Washington-Bothell Campus
-
3
National Certification: Pass the relevant national certification exam provided by a recognized credentialing body (e.g., ANCC, AACN, NCC).
-
4
Advanced Practice Licensure: Apply for a Nurse Practitioner license or Furnishing Number through the state BON to prescribe medications.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Registered Nurse make in Washington?
As of 2025, the median Registered Nurse salary in Washington is $124,200 per year or $58.43 per hour. This is 33% above the national median.
What is the starting salary for a new grad RN in Washington?
Entry-level Registered Nurses in Washington typically start around the 10th percentile, earning $89,630. With 5-10 years of experience, RNs can expect to reach the median salary of $124,200 or higher.
Is Washington a good state for RN salaries when considering the cost of living?
Washington has a cost of living index of 1.15. When adjusting the raw median salary of $124,200 for local expenses, the true purchasing power is approximately $107,906. Keep in mind that housing and living costs may offset the premium pay.
How much does an RN make an hour in Washington?
The median hourly wage for an RN in Washington is $58.43. Those in the top 90th percentile, often working in specialized or high-acuity roles, can make upwards of $77.84 per hour.
Which hospitals hire the most RNs in Washington?
Salaries and demand vary by facility, but large medical centers and specialty units generally offer the highest compensation. In Washington, top employers hiring RNs include Seattle VA Medical Center (Va Puget Sound Healthcare System), Virginia Mason Medical Center, Evergreenhealth Medical Center, Spokane VA Medical Center.
What are the requirements to become an RN in Washington?
To practice as a Registered Nurse in Washington, you must hold an active RN license, graduate from an accredited program, pass the relevant national certification exam, and apply for advanced practice licensure through the Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON).
Are there RN programs in Washington?
Yes, aspiring Registered Nurses can attend local programs such as University of Washington-Seattle Campus and University of Washington-Bothell Campus. Alternatively, many Washington nurses opt for accredited online programs that arrange clinical placements at local hospitals.
Is there a high demand for Registered Nurses in Washington?
Yes, the demand for Registered Nurses remains strong in Washington, particularly in metro areas supporting large healthcare systems. Job growth is projected to remain steady as facilities seek specialized providers to manage complex patient care.