Registered nurse salary in Washington
The median registered nurse in Washington earned $124,200 a year in 2025, $26,650 (27%) above the $97,550 national median. That ranks 4th of 51 states.
- Median yearly pay
- $124,200
- Average yearly pay
- $121,540
- Employed in Washington
- 69,260
How Washington 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 Washington
| Role | Median yearly pay | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Registered nurse | $124,200 | 69,260 |
| LPN or LVN | $83,150 | 6,780 |
| Nurse practitioner | $156,100 | 6,700 |
A nurse practitioner in Washington earns a median $31,900 more than a registered nurse ($156,100 against $124,200). A registered nurse earns a median $41,050 more than an LPN or LVN here ($124,200 against $83,150).
Next steps
Common questions
How much does a registered nurse make in Washington?
The median is $124,200 a year, according to BLS data for May 2025. Half of registered nurses in Washington earn more and half earn less.
Is Washington a high-paying state for registered nurses?
Washington ranks 4th of 51 states on median pay for this job. The national median is $97,550, so Washington pays 27% above it. The highest median is $140,270 in California.
How many registered nurses work in Washington?
BLS counted 69,260 registered nurses employed in Washington 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 Washington the average is $121,540.
What do you need to work as a registered nurse in Washington?
Washington requires an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing and a passing NCLEX-RN score, and a state license.