Registered Nurse Salary in Washington
Based on 69K+ workers in Washington
Median Annual Salary (WA)
$124,200
$59.71/hr
vs National Average
$94,098
+32.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$90K – $162K
69K employed in Washington
The Registered Nurse salary in Washington presents a compelling financial landscape for healthcare professionals. The median annual salary for Registered Nurses in Washington stands at an impressive $124,200, significantly exceeding the national average by 32%. This robust earning potential is reflected in the substantial employment of 69,260 Registered Nurses across the state, indicating a strong demand for these vital caregivers.
Factors influencing the Registered Nurse salary in Washington are diverse and contribute to the wide salary range observed, from $89,630 to $161,910 annually. Experience level plays a crucial role, with seasoned nurses commanding higher compensation. Additionally, specialization within nursing, the specific healthcare facility, its location within Washington, and the presence of any required certifications or advanced degrees all contribute to the variations in pay.
Salary Distribution — Registered Nurse in Washington
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $89,630 |
| 25th percentile | $103,100 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $124,200 |
| 75th percentile | $134,240 |
| 90th percentile | $161,910 |
Top H-1B Employers for Registered Nurse in Washington
Companies that filed the most H-1B (LCA) applications for this role in Washington — ranked by application count.
| # | Employer | Applications | Median Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MultiCare Health System | 11 | $120,120 |
| 2 | Insight Global, LLC | 5 | $107,036 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026.
Registered Nurse H-1B Salary by Wage Level in Washington
DOL prevailing wage levels approximate seniority — Level I is entry-level, Level IV is senior/expert. Based on certified H-1B (LCA) filings in Washington.
| Wage Level | Experience | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level II | Qualified | $107,036 | 10 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026. Based on certified filings with a disclosed wage level.
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 Washington 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 Washington vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Washington) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $101,230 |
| 2023 | $107,720 |
| 2024 | $112,180 |
| 2025 | $124,200 |
| 2026 (projected) | $131,652 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Washington Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $101,230 | $81,890 |
| 2023 | $107,720 | $86,652 |
| 2024 | $112,180 | $90,458 |
| 2025 | $124,200 | $94,098 |
| 2026 (projected) | $131,652 | $99,744 |
Registered Nurse Salary by Experience Level in Washington
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $103,100 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $124,200 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $134,240 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $161,910 |
Registered Nurse Salary in Other States
Related Registered Nurse Salaries in Washington
How other high-demand occupations in Washington compare to Registered Nurse ($124,200 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Registered Nurse | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in WA | $656,330 | +428.4% | $315.54/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in WA | $499,990 | +302.6% | $240.38/hr |
| Surgeon in WA | $479,460 | +286.0% | $230.51/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in WA | $380,870 | +206.7% | $183.11/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in WA | $343,140 | +176.3% | $164.97/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in WA | $340,010 | +173.8% | $163.47/hr |
| Psychiatrist in WA | $304,920 | +145.5% | $146.60/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in WA | $292,900 | +135.8% | $140.82/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in WA | $274,390 | +120.9% | $131.92/hr |
| Podiatrist in WA | $232,970 | +87.6% | $112.00/hr |
| Dentist in WA | $169,730 | +36.7% | $81.60/hr |
| Pediatrician in WA | $169,540 | +36.5% | $81.51/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Registered Nurses make in Washington state?
- The median salary for Registered Nurses in Washington is $124,200 per year, which averages out to about $60 per hour. Most Registered Nurses in Washington earn between $89,630 and $161,910 annually.
What is the salary range for RNs in Washington?
- In Washington, the salary range for Registered Nurses is quite broad, with most earning from $89,630 to $161,910 per year. The median income for the profession stands at $124,200 annually.
How does the RN salary in Washington compare to the national average?
- Registered Nurses in Washington earn significantly more than the national average, with salaries being 32.0% higher. This means the median salary of $124,200 in Washington is well above the national median.
How many Registered Nurses are employed in Washington?
- Washington employs a substantial number of Registered Nurses, with a total of 69,260 professionals in the field. These RNs contribute to the state's healthcare system and benefit from a median annual salary of $124,200.