RateOrchard
METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Registered Nurses salary in Washington, D.C., District of Columbia

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 30, 2026
Median annual$101,800
Mean annual$102,510
Range (10th to 90th)$79,460 to $129,320
Washington, D.C., District of Columbia employment43,640
State vs national+7.7% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Washington, D.C. registered nurses fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

10TH$79,46025TH$83,570MEDIAN$101,80075TH$110,76090TH$129,320

The middle 50% of workers earn between $83,570 and $110,760, with a median of $101,800.

Typical entry

  • Education

    Bachelor's degree

  • Experience

    None

  • On-the-job training

    None

Top skills (O*NET)

  • Psychology

    Knowledge

    4.6 / 5
  • Customer and Personal Service

    Knowledge

    4.4 / 5
  • Medicine and Dentistry

    Knowledge

    4.4 / 5
  • English Language

    Knowledge

    4.2 / 5
  • Deductive Reasoning

    Ability

    4.1 / 5
  • Social Perceptiveness

    Technical

    4.1 / 5
  • Problem Sensitivity

    Ability

    4.1 / 5
  • Speaking

    Basic skill

    4.0 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Record patients' medical information and vital signs.

  2. 02

    Administer medications to patients and monitor patients for reactions or side effects.

  3. 03

    Maintain accurate, detailed reports and records.

  4. 04

    Monitor, record, and report symptoms or changes in patients' conditions.

  5. 05

    Provide health care, first aid, immunizations, or assistance in convalescence or rehabilitation in locations such as schools, hospitals, or industry.

  6. 06

    Consult and coordinate with healthcare team members to assess, plan, implement, or evaluate patient care plans.

  7. 07

    Direct or supervise less-skilled nursing or healthcare personnel or supervise a particular unit.

  8. 08

    Monitor all aspects of patient care, including diet and physical activity.

Sponsored

Build the skills employers list for Registered Nurses

Online courses from licensed providers. We may earn a commission when you enroll. The commission does not influence our rankings or wage data.

Explore courses

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Registered Nurses in Washington, D.C., District of Columbia?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Registered Nurses in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area is $101,800.
Does Washington, D.C. pay more than the District of Columbia state average for Registered Nurses?
The Washington, D.C. metro median is -2.6% versus the District of Columbia state median of $104,550.
How does Washington, D.C. compare to the national median for Registered Nurses?
The Washington, D.C. metro median is +7.7% versus the BLS national figure of $94,511.
What is the salary range for Registered Nurses in Washington, D.C.?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $79,460 and the 90th-percentile at $129,320 for the Washington, D.C. metro area.
What education is required for Registered Nurses?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Washington, D.C. CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.