What RNs earn in Washington, D.C.
Registered nurses in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro earn a median of $102,710 a year, 5% above the national RN median of $97,550. The middle half of RNs here earn between $84,610 and $119,620, so experience, specialty and shift differentials can move you a long way inside that range. Among the 60 metro markets The RN Network tracks, Washington, D.C. ranks #14 for median RN pay.
| Role | Median | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $102,710 | $84,610 – $119,620 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $134,840 | $119,660 – $158,660 |
| Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) | $223,150 | $223,130 – $351,020 |
| Nurse Midwife | $149,170 | $126,060 – $164,450 |
Powered by RN Workforce Insights™ · 2025 annual pay. Typical range is the 25th to 75th percentile.
Cost of living and the Washington, D.C. nursing market
Pay only tells half the story. A two-bedroom apartment at fair market rent runs about $2,246 a month in Washington, D.C., which is roughly 26% of a median RN salary before taxes. That is a manageable share, but it is worth negotiating hard on base pay and differentials.
About 46,830 RNs work in this metro, the #11 largest RN workforce of the markets we track. The RN Network directory lists 132 healthcare employers in Washington, Arlington and Alexandria, including 59 behavioral health facilities, 29 dialysis centers, 26 long-term care facilities and 13 hospitals.
Hospitals hiring nurses in Washington, D.C.
Every hospital below has its own page with pay context, nearby openings and a direct line to its careers site.
Nursing jobs in Washington, D.C.
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Career advice for Washington, D.C. nurses
Watch the latest episode of Nursing Matters, the show that helps nurses find the right job, land the offer and grow their careers.
You Passed the NCLEX. Can You Lose This License? Nursing Matters Episode 102626
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Read the article →Common questions about nursing in Washington, D.C.
How much do registered nurses make in Washington, D.C.?
The median RN salary in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro is $102,710 a year, and the middle half of RNs earn between $84,610 and $119,620.
What do nurse practitioners earn in Washington, D.C.?
Nurse practitioners in the Washington, D.C. metro earn a median of $134,840 a year.
Can a nurse afford to live in Washington, D.C.?
A two-bedroom apartment at fair market rent costs about $2,246 a month in Washington, D.C., roughly 26% of a median RN salary before taxes.
Which hospitals hire nurses in Washington, D.C.?
Hospitals in the Washington, D.C. area include Inova Alexandria Hospital, Sibley Memorial Hospital, Inova Mount Vernon Hospital, Virginia Hospital Center, Medstar Georgetown University Hospital. See the full list in The RN Network facility directory.
How do I find a nursing job in Washington, D.C.?
Browse current District of Columbia openings on The RN Network job board, claim your free Talent Agent profile so employers hiring in Washington, D.C. can find you, and compare pay using the District of Columbia salary guide.