Registered Nurses Salary in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Median annual salary $101,800 +8.8% vs national
Median hourly $48.94
10th percentile $79,460
90th percentile $129,320
Employed locally 43,640
National median $93,600

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    In the Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV region, registered nurses (RNs) earn a median annual salary of $101,800, which is notably higher than the national median salary of $93,600 for the same occupation. This reflects the demand and value placed on nursing professionals in this area. The typical RN's earnings are slightly below the area median household income of $123,896, indicating that while nurses earn well, they do not quite reach the average household earnings. Despite this difference, the local unemployment rate stands at a low 3.00%, suggesting robust job opportunities for registered nurses and a healthy demand in the healthcare sector.

    When examining salary variations among registered nurses based on experience levels, those entering the field can expect to earn around $79,460 annually, as indicated by the 10th percentile figure. In contrast, more experienced RNs at the 75th percentile earn approximately $110,760 per year. The significant difference in earnings between entry-level and experienced workers is driven primarily by factors such as specialized skills, certifications, leadership roles, and years of service within the healthcare industry. For top-performing nurses at the 90th percentile, salaries can reach up to $129,320 annually, highlighting how advanced expertise and higher responsibility levels contribute to increased compensation in this field.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $79,460
    25th
    $83,570
    50th (median)
    $101,800
    75th
    $110,760
    90th
    $129,320

    Washington economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $123,896 2023 • Census ACS
    Registered Nurses salary vs area income 82% Median Registered Nurses salary is 18% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Registered Nurses make per hour in Washington?

    The median hourly wage for Registered Nurses in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV is $48.94, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $63.89 or more per hour.

    Is Washington above or below average for Registered Nurses salaries?

    The median Registered Nurses salary in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV is 8.8% above the national median of $93,600. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Registered Nurses in Washington?

    Entry-level Registered Nurses (10th percentile) earn around $79,460 per year in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $83,570.