RN Salary by Role in Washington
RN Pay by Metro in Washington
Where you work inside Washington moves your paycheck. Here is what registered nurses earn in each major Washington market, compared with the national RN median of $97,550. Tap a metro for hospitals, openings and cost of living.
| Metro | Median RN pay | Typical range | NP median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle | $128,260 | $104,540 – $136,780 | $160,090 |
Powered by RN Workforce Insights™. Typical range is the 25th to 75th percentile.
About RN Pay in Washington
Washington offers competitive RN compensation, with staff nurses averaging close to $95,000 annually.
The earnings curve is significant across a nursing career in Washington. Entry-level new grad RNs generally start near $66,000, while experienced specialty nurses in high-acuity areas (ICU, ER, OR) average closer to $107,000. Leadership tracks open up further upside: nurse managers average around $119,000, directors of nursing near $138,000, and CNOs can reach $163,000. Advanced practice nurses (NPs, CNSs, CRNAs, and CNMs) in Washington report average compensation around $119,000.
Washington is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact, so a multistate RN or LPN license issued here is valid for practice in other compact states — useful for travel nursing, telehealth, or relocating without re-licensing.
As with any state, factor in local cost of living and taxes alongside salary when evaluating job offers in Washington.
Frequently Asked Questions
Know your number, then get matched with roles that pay it.
Claim My Free Talent Agent Profile