In Washington, DC, Registered Nurses earn a median of $98,000 a year — about 4% above the U.S. median of $94,480. Among the 50 metros tracked here for this role, that ranks #14.
What that pay is worth in Washington
Local prices run 109 on the BEA cost-of-living index (U.S. = 100), so a $99,000 salary buys less than it looks — about $90,922 in national-average buying power.
Can Registered Nurses afford a home in Washington?
A typical Washington home runs about $724,600 — 7.3 times the average Registered Nurse salary, a stretch against the classic 3x rule of thumb. Median rent near $1,900/mo takes roughly 23% of gross pay — within the 30% comfort line.
The Registered Nurse pay ladder in Washington
Entry-level (10th percentile) Registered Nurses earn about $73,570; the top 10% reach $127,360 — a $53,790 spread, moderate for this field. Most of that gap comes down to experience, employer, and how hard you negotiate.
The Registered Nurse job market in Washington
Washington employs roughly 43,360 Registered Nurses. Metro unemployment sits near 4.3%, a fairly balanced hiring market.
Compare Washington with other cities
See the full Registered Nurse salary by city ranking to weigh Washington against the other metros on both pay and cost-adjusted value, or use the cost-of-living calculator to compare any two cities directly.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Registered Nurses make in Washington?
The average Registered Nurse in Washington, DC earns about $99,000 per year, 4.8% above the national average of $94,480.
What is the take-home pay for Registered Nurses in Washington after taxes?
After federal and DC taxes, this $99,000 salary is worth about $73,030 a year - roughly $6,085 a month in take-home pay, an effective tax rate near 26%.
What do the highest-paid Registered Nurses earn in Washington?
The top 10% of Registered Nurses in Washington earn about $127,360 a year, versus about $73,570 for the bottom 10%.
Can Registered Nurses afford a home in Washington?
A typical Washington home runs about $724,600 - roughly 7.3x this salary, a stretch by the 3x rule, so budgeting discipline matters.