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Healthcare · District of Columbia

How to Become a Registered Nurses in District of Columbia

Registered Nurses in District of Columbia earn a median salary of $104,550/year, which is 12% above the national average. District of Columbia has a state income tax of ~5.8%. After taxes and rent, a registered nurses takes home approximately $4,912/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.

$105K
Median salary in District of Columbia
+12%
vs. national average
5.8%
State income tax
9,790
Employed in District of Columbia

What a registered nurses can afford in District of Columbia

Gross annual salary$104,550
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 5.8% state tax)$6,324/mo
Median 2BR rent (District of Columbia)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home22.3% (within guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$104,550/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$4,912/mo

Becoming a registered nurses in District of Columbia

1

Meet education requirements

Registered Nurses positions in District of Columbia typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across District of Columbia. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

This career typically involves none in District of Columbia. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain District of Columbia licensure or certification

District of Columbia may require specific licensing or professional certification for registered nursess. Requirements vary by state — contact the District of Columbia Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in District of Columbia

District of Columbia employs 9,790 registered nurses. The highest concentrations are in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria.

Registered Nurses salary by metro area in District of Columbia

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria$102K$48.94/hr43,640

Registered Nurses salary range in District of Columbia

10th percentile (entry)
$82K
25th percentile
$86K
Median (50th)
$105K
75th percentile
$127K
90th percentile (senior)
$136K
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Full registered nurses salary breakdown in District of Columbia
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After federal + 5.8% state tax
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Registered Nurses careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a registered nurses make in District of Columbia?

The median registered nurses salary in District of Columbia is $104,550 per year ($50.27/hr). This is 12% above the national median of $93,600. Salaries range from $81,880 to $135,620.

What are the requirements to become a registered nurses in District of Columbia?

Registered Nurses positions in District of Columbia typically require Bachelor's degree. District of Columbia may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the District of Columbia licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a registered nurses afford to live in District of Columbia?

At the median salary of $104,550, a registered nurses in District of Columbia would take home approximately $6,324/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 22.3% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for registered nurses in District of Columbia?

The highest paying metro areas for registered nurses in District of Columbia are Washington-Arlington-Alexandria ($101,800). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does District of Columbia have state income tax for registered nurses?

Yes, District of Columbia has a state income tax rate of approximately 5.8%. On a $104,550 salary, this means roughly $6,046/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.