Registered Nurse Salary in District of Columbia
Based on 11K+ workers in District of Columbia
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$102,540
$49.30/hr
vs National Average
$94,098
+9.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$79K – $151K
11K employed in District of Columbia
Registered nurses in the District of Columbia earn a median salary of $102,540 per year, positioning them 9% above the national average. With approximately 11,440 registered nurses employed throughout the district, this represents a competitive compensation level within the healthcare sector. Salaries in this field range from $79,390 to $151,170 annually, reflecting variations based on experience and specialization.
Several factors influence registered nurse salary in District of Columbia, including years of experience, educational credentials, and nursing specialty. Work setting—whether in hospitals, clinics, or specialized care facilities—also impacts compensation levels. Additionally, the district's cost of living and demand for healthcare professionals contribute to these above-average wages compared to national standards.
Salary Distribution — Registered Nurse in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $79,390 |
| 25th percentile | $85,850 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $102,540 |
| 75th percentile | $127,800 |
| 90th percentile | $151,170 |
Top-Paying Industries for Registered Nurse (U.S.)
Which industries pay Registered Nurses the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Registered Nurses in District of Columbia tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $110,780 | 170K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $100,010 | 23K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $97,660 | 2.9M |
| Information | $97,430 | 590 |
| Utilities | $95,280 | 70 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Registered Nurse in District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (District of Columbia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $98,970 |
| 2023 | $105,220 |
| 2024 | $104,550 |
| 2025 | $102,540 |
| 2026 (projected) | $102,540 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | District of Columbia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $98,970 | $81,890 |
| 2023 | $105,220 | $86,652 |
| 2024 | $104,550 | $90,458 |
| 2025 | $102,540 | $94,098 |
| 2026 (projected) | $102,540 | $94,098 |
Registered Nurse Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $85,850 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $102,540 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $127,800 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $151,170 |
Registered Nurse Salary in Other States
Related Registered Nurse Salaries in District of Columbia
How other high-demand occupations in District of Columbia compare to Registered Nurse ($102,540 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Registered Nurse | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medicine Physician in DC | $318,200 | +210.3% | $152.98/hr |
| Podiatrist in DC | $265,740 | +159.2% | $127.76/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in DC | $233,390 | +127.6% | $112.21/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in DC | $223,250 | +117.7% | $107.33/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in DC | $202,570 | +97.6% | $97.39/hr |
| Psychiatrist in DC | $183,080 | +78.5% | $88.02/hr |
| Radiologist in DC | $182,450 | +77.9% | $87.72/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in DC | $155,140 | +51.3% | $74.59/hr |
| Pharmacist in DC | $153,400 | +49.6% | $73.75/hr |
| Dental Hygienist in DC | $137,220 | +33.8% | $65.97/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in DC | $135,880 | +32.5% | $65.33/hr |
| Physician Assistant in DC | $135,140 | +31.8% | $64.97/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do registered nurses make in Washington DC?
- The median salary for registered nurses in District of Columbia is $102,540 per year, or approximately $49 per hour. This is 9.0% higher than the national average for registered nurses.
What is the salary range for registered nurses in DC?
- Registered nurse salaries in District of Columbia range from $79,390 at the lower end to $151,170 at the upper end, reflecting variation based on experience, specialization, and employer type.
How many registered nurses work in Washington DC?
- There are approximately 11,440 registered nurses currently employed in District of Columbia, making it a significant portion of the local healthcare workforce.
Is DC a good place for registered nurses to work based on pay?
- Yes, District of Columbia offers competitive compensation for registered nurses with a median salary of $102,540 annually, which exceeds the national average by 9.0%, making it an attractive location for nursing careers.