Healthcare Arlington, VA Pop. 238,643

Registered Nurse Salary in Arlington, Virginia

The median registered nurse salary in Arlington, VA is $108,835 per year, which is 34.0% above the national median and 26.4% above the Virginia state average.

City Median
$108,835
vs State Avg
+$22,742
vs National
+$27,615
Cost of Living
132%

Registered Nurse Pay in Arlington: What to Expect (2026)

Arlington offers a median registered nurse salary of $108,835, which is $22,742 above the Virginia state average of $86,093. Compared to the national median of $81,220, Arlington pays above average for this role.

However, Arlington's cost of living index is 132%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $108,835 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $82,451. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Arlington should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for registered nurses in Arlington spans from $76,916 at the 10th percentile to $161,872 at the 90th percentile — a $84,956 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $77,720, while senior registered nurses with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $154,100. With a population of 238,643, Arlington is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Registered Nurse Salary in Arlington by Experience

In Arlington, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $77,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $154,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$77,720
+$19,720 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$109,880
+$27,880 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$154,100
+$39,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Arlington, VA

Percentile Arlington
10th Percentile $76,916
25th Percentile $89,512
Median (50th) $108,835
75th Percentile $135,474
90th Percentile $161,872

Registered Nurse Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Virginia Beach, VA
$84,469
Pop. 449,974
Richmond, VA
$82,844
Pop. 226,610
Chesapeake, VA
$81,220
Pop. 249,422
Norfolk, VA
$79,596
Pop. 238,005

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Arlington

Education

Most registered nurse positions require a bachelor's degree. Arlington and the surrounding Virginia area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Patient AssessmentMedication AdministrationCritical ThinkingCommunicationEMR SystemsBLS/ACLS

Job Outlook

Nationally, registered nurse employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Arlington may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Registered Nurse Jobs in Arlington

Browse open registered nurse positions in Arlington, VA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Arlington

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Arlington, VA? ▼
The median registered nurse salary in Arlington, Virginia is $108,835 per year, which is 34.0% above the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $76,916 (10th percentile) to $161,872 (90th percentile).
How much does a Registered Nurse make per hour in Arlington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $108,835, a registered nurse in Arlington earns approximately $52 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Arlington compare to the Virginia state average for registered nurse pay? ▼
Arlington's median registered nurse salary of $108,835 is 26.4% above the Virginia state average of $86,093. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Arlington, VA? ▼
Arlington has a cost of living index of 132% compared to the national average. This means a registered nurse salary of $108,835 in Arlington has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a registered nurse in Arlington? ▼
Most registered nurse positions in Arlington require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Patient Assessment, Medication Administration, Critical Thinking, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.