Healthcare Seattle, WA Pop. 737,015

Registered Nurse Salary in Seattle, Washington

The median registered nurse salary in Seattle, WA is $123,454 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 27.7% above the Washington state average.

City Median
$123,454
vs State Avg
+$26,802
vs National
+$42,234
Cost of Living
148%

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

Seattle offers a median registered nurse salary of $123,454, which is $26,802 above the Washington state average of $96,652. Compared to the national median of $81,220, Seattle pays above average for this role.

However, Seattle's cost of living index is 148%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $123,454 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $83,415. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Seattle should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for registered nurses in Seattle spans from $87,248 at the 10th percentile to $183,616 at the 90th percentile — a $96,368 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $88,160, while senior registered nurses with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $174,800. As a major metro area with a population of 737,015, Seattle typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Registered Nurse Salary in Seattle by Experience

In Seattle, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $88,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $174,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$88,160
+$30,160 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$124,640
+$42,640 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$174,800
+$59,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Seattle, WA

Percentile Seattle
10th Percentile $87,248
25th Percentile $101,536
Median (50th) $123,454
75th Percentile $153,672
90th Percentile $183,616

Registered Nurse Salary in Other Washington Cities

Bellevue, WA
$126,703
Pop. 151,854
Tacoma, WA
$92,591
Pop. 219,346
Vancouver, WA
$86,093
Pop. 190,915
Spokane, WA
$77,971
Pop. 228,989

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Seattle

Education

Most registered nurse positions require a bachelor's degree. Seattle and the surrounding Washington 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 Seattle may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Registered Nurse Jobs in Seattle

Browse open registered nurse positions in Seattle, WA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Seattle

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Seattle, WA? ▼
The median registered nurse salary in Seattle, Washington is $123,454 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $87,248 (10th percentile) to $183,616 (90th percentile).
How much does a Registered Nurse make per hour in Seattle? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $123,454, a registered nurse in Seattle earns approximately $59 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Seattle compare to the Washington state average for registered nurse pay? ▼
Seattle's median registered nurse salary of $123,454 is 27.7% above the Washington state average of $96,652. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Seattle, WA? ▼
Seattle has a cost of living index of 148% compared to the national average. This means a registered nurse salary of $123,454 in Seattle has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a registered nurse in Seattle? ▼
Most registered nurse positions in Seattle 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.