Registered nurse salary in the District of Columbia
The median registered nurse in the District of Columbia earned $102,540 a year in 2025, $4,990 (5%) above the $97,550 national median. That ranks 11th of 51 states.
- Median yearly pay
- $102,540
- Average yearly pay
- $106,980
- Employed in the District of Columbia
- 11,440
How the District of Columbia compares
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, state estimates. Pay is before tax and does not adjust for cost of living, which is higher in some states than others.
Nursing pay in the District of Columbia
| Role | Median yearly pay | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Registered nurse | $102,540 | 11,440 |
| LPN or LVN | $75,740 | 1,040 |
| Nurse practitioner | $135,880 | 680 |
A nurse practitioner in the District of Columbia earns a median $33,340 more than a registered nurse ($135,880 against $102,540). A registered nurse earns a median $26,800 more than an LPN or LVN here ($102,540 against $75,740).
Next steps
Common questions
How much does a registered nurse make in the District of Columbia?
The median is $102,540 a year, according to BLS data for May 2025. Half of registered nurses in the District of Columbia earn more and half earn less.
Is the District of Columbia a high-paying state for registered nurses?
The District of Columbia ranks 11th of 51 states on median pay for this job. The national median is $97,550, so the District of Columbia pays 5% above it. The highest median is $140,270 in California.
How many registered nurses work in the District of Columbia?
BLS counted 11,440 registered nurses employed in the District of Columbia in May 2025.
Why is the average different from the median?
The median is the middle wage: half of workers earn less. The average adds every wage and divides, so a few very high earners pull it up. In the District of Columbia the average is $106,980, $4,440 above the median.
What do you need to work as a registered nurse in the District of Columbia?
the District of Columbia requires an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing and a passing NCLEX-RN score, and a state license.