How to Become a Registered Nurses in Washington
Registered Nurses in Washington earn a median salary of $112,180/year, which is 20% above the national average. Washington has no state income tax. After taxes and rent, a registered nurses takes home approximately $5,863/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.
What a registered nurses can afford in Washington
Becoming a registered nurses in Washington
Meet education requirements
Registered Nurses positions in Washington typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Washington. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
This career typically involves none in Washington. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain Washington licensure or certification
Washington may require specific licensing or professional certification for registered nursess. Requirements vary by state — contact the Washington Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in Washington
Washington employs 64,690 registered nurses. The highest concentrations are in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue and Wenatchee-East Wenatchee.
Registered Nurses salary by metro area in Washington
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue | $119K | $57/hr | 37,250 |
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee | $108K | $52.09/hr | 1,340 |
| Walla Walla | $105K | $50.65/hr | 790 |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater | $104K | $49.93/hr | 2,140 |
| Longview-Kelso | $104K | $49.88/hr | 790 |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes | $103K | $49.36/hr | 1,120 |
| Bellingham | $102K | $48.84/hr | 1,670 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard | $101K | $48.65/hr | 1,290 |
| Kennewick-Richland | $101K | $48.34/hr | 2,310 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley | $99K | $47.73/hr | 6,480 |
| Yakima | $98K | $47.23/hr | 1,480 |
Registered Nurses salary range in Washington
Registered Nurses careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a registered nurses make in Washington?▼
The median registered nurses salary in Washington is $112,180 per year ($53.93/hr). This is 20% above the national median of $93,600. Salaries range from $86,490 to $149,370.
What are the requirements to become a registered nurses in Washington?▼
Registered Nurses positions in Washington typically require Bachelor's degree. Washington may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Washington licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a registered nurses afford to live in Washington?▼
At the median salary of $112,180, a registered nurses in Washington would take home approximately $7,275/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 19.4% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for registered nurses in Washington?▼
The highest paying metro areas for registered nurses in Washington are Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue ($118,570), Wenatchee-East Wenatchee ($108,350), Walla Walla ($105,360). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does Washington have state income tax for registered nurses?▼
No, Washington does not have a state income tax. This means registered nurses keep more of their gross salary compared to states with income tax — a significant advantage for affordability.