Healthcare Washington (WA) Rank #7 of 50

Nurse Practitioner Salary in Washington

The median nurse practitioner salary in Washington is $144,716 per year, which is 19.0% above the national median of $121,610.

Median Salary
$144,716
vs National
+$23,106
State Rank
#7 of 50
Cost of Living
115%

Nurse Practitioner Salary Overview in Washington (2026)

Washington ranks #7 out of 50 states for nurse practitioner compensation. This places Washington in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for nurse practitioners seeking high pay. At $144,716 per year, nurse practitioners in Washington earn $23,106 more than the national median of $121,610.

It's worth noting that Washington's cost of living is 115% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $144,716 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $125,840.

The salary spread in Washington is significant: nurse practitioners at the 10th percentile earn $103,649, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $200,158 — a $96,509 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Washington for this role is Bellevue, where the median reaches $189,712.

Nationally, nurse practitioner employment is projected to grow 40% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Washington and beyond.

Nurse Practitioner Salary in Washington by Experience

In Washington, an entry-level nurse practitioner earns around $107,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $184,450 per year. The cost of living index in Washington is 115% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$107,100
+$17,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$145,180
+$23,180 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$184,450
+$29,450 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Washington

Percentile WA Salary
10th Percentile $103,649
25th Percentile $123,998
Median (50th) $144,716
75th Percentile $170,765
90th Percentile $200,158

Nurse Practitioner Salary by City in Washington

The largest employment areas for nurse practitioners in Washington include Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, and Bellevue. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Nurse Practitioner in Washington

Education

Most nurse practitioner positions require a master's degree. Washington has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Advanced AssessmentPharmacologyDiagnosisPatient EducationEMR SystemsClinical Decision-Making

Job Outlook in Washington

Nationally, nurse practitioner employment is projected to grow 40% over the next decade (much faster than average). Washington's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Nurse Practitioner Salary in Washington

How much does a Nurse Practitioner make in Washington? ▼
The median nurse practitioner salary in Washington is $144,716 per year, which is 19.0% above the national median of $121,610. Salaries range from $103,649 (10th percentile) to $200,158 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nurse Practitioner make per hour in Washington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $144,716, a nurse practitioner in Washington earns approximately $70 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Washington a good state for nurse practitioners? ▼
Washington ranks #7 out of 50 states for nurse practitioner pay. The cost of living index is 115% of the national average. Entry-level nurse practitioners earn $107,100, while senior professionals earn $184,450.
How does Washington compare to other states for nurse practitioner salary? ▼
The highest paying state for nurse practitioners is Hawaii at $216,466. Washington's median of $144,716 ranks #7 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include New York ($154,445) and New Jersey ($145,932).
What is the entry-level nurse practitioner salary in Washington? ▼
An entry-level nurse practitioner in Washington earns approximately $107,100 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $145,180. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $184,450.
What city in Washington pays nurse practitioners the most? ▼
Bellevue is the highest paying city in Washington for nurse practitioners, with a median salary of $189,712. Other cities include Seattle and Spokane.