Average Registered Nurses Salary in Washington
Registered Nurses in Washington State earn an impressive average annual salary of $115,740, substantially exceeding the national average of $97,850. This elevated compensation is largely driven by Washington's robust healthcare sector and the state's specific economic landscape, which often necessitates higher wages to attract and retain skilled nursing professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $115,740 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $149,370.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 64,690 Registered Nurses, Washington demonstrates a significant presence in the healthcare field. The location quotient of 0.86 suggests a concentration slightly below the national average, indicating a healthy but not overly saturated market, implying consistent demand for qualified nursing talent.
Salary Overview
The average Registered Nurses in Washington earns+18.3%above the national average.
$55.6
$2,226
$9,645
Registered Nurses Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that Registered Nurse salaries in Washington have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing healthcare needs, evolving medical technologies, and ongoing demand for skilled professionals likely contribute to this upward salary trajectory.
Registered Nurses Salary Distribution in Washington
Salary progression for Registered Nurses in Washington is strongly tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while seasoned nurses with advanced certifications or in specialized fields like critical care or oncology can expect to earn significantly more. The widening gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries reflects clear career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $86,490 | $41.6 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $86,805 | $41.7 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $112,180 | $53.9 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $144,675 | $69.6 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $149,370 | $71.8 |
Detailed Registered Nurses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$115,740
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$100,556
Adjusted for COL (115.1)
The average annual salary of $115,740 in Washington presents a strong nominal income. However, with a Cost of Living Index of 115.1, which is 15.1% higher than the national average, the purchasing power of this salary is somewhat tempered. While still a high wage, potential residents should factor in the increased expenses for housing, goods, and services when considering a move.
Job Market Context
64,690
Total Jobs
18.275
Per 1K Jobs
0.86
Location Quotient
Washington has 0.86x the national average concentration of Registered Nurses jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A location quotient of 0.86 indicates that Registered Nurses are slightly less concentrated in Washington compared to the national average. This suggests that while the state has a substantial number of nurses, the job market may not be saturated, potentially leading to competitive opportunities for skilled professionals seeking employment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Registered Nurses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Registered Nurses Salary | $120,260↑ 4% | 42 mi |
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA Registered Nurses Salary | $108,390↓ 6% | 54 mi |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Registered Nurses Salary | $110,460↓ 5% | 58 mi |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA Registered Nurses Salary | $109,840↓ 5% | 70 mi |
| Yakima, WA Registered Nurses Salary | $107,830↓ 7% | 71 mi |
Comparing salaries near Washington
Hiring Registered Nursess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Registered Nurses make in Washington?
The median annual salary for a Registered Nurses in Washington is $115,740. This typically ranges from $86,490 for entry-level positions to $149,370 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Washington is 18.3% higher than the national median of $97,850.
Is Washington a lucrative place for Registered Nurses?
Yes, Washington is a lucrative state for Registered Nurses.Registered Nurses in Washington earn an average of $115,740 annually, significantly higher than the national average, making it a financially attractive location for the profession.
Is Washington a good place to live for Registered Nurses?
The Cost of Living Index in Washington is 115.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Washington?
Some top paying nearby cities include Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($120,260) and Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA.
How does Washington's RN salary compare to the national average?
Registered Nurses in Washington earn an average of $115,740 per year, which is substantially higher than the national average of $97,850.
What is the concentration of Registered Nurses in Washington?
Washington has a location quotient of 0.86 for Registered Nurses, indicating a concentration slightly below the national average, suggesting a balanced job market.
How does the cost of living affect RN salaries in Washington?
With a cost of living index of 115.1, Washington is more expensive than the national average. While the high RN salary helps offset this, it's important to consider increased living expenses.
What is the total number of Registered Nurses in Washington?
There are approximately 64,690 Registered Nurses employed in Washington State, reflecting a significant healthcare workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 64,690 employees in the Washington area with a job density of 18.275 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Registered Nurses Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Washington
- All Occupations Salary in Washington
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Washington
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Washington
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Washington
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Washington
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Washington
- Computer and Mathematical Occupations Salary in Washington
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Washington
- Management Occupations Salary in Washington
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Washington
- Browse All Jobs in Washington →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Registered Nurses • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Washington