What the numbers say
About 37,250 Registered Nurses work in the Seattle metro, making it one of the larger nursing labor markets in the country. The 2024 median annual wage was $118,570, which is 5.7% above the Washington state median of $112,180 and about 25% above the national median of $94,511.
The average wage of $120,260 sits close to the median, which means the distribution is fairly even. A small group of high earners pushes the average up slightly, but not by much. That is different from occupations where a handful of top earners create a bigger gap between the two figures.
The spread from bottom to top is worth noting. Nurses at the 10th percentile earned $89,700, while those at the 90th percentile earned $157,380. Top earners in Seattle made about 75% more than those at the entry end. That range reflects real differences in setting, specialty, and years of experience within the metro. A new graduate working a standard floor shift and a seasoned CRNA or nurse practitioner operating under the same occupational code produce very different wage outcomes.
Washington as a whole pays above the national median, so Seattle's premium over the state figure is narrower than its premium over the US figure. Still, the city outpaces the state median by roughly $6,400 a year.
Salary distribution
Where Seattle registered nurses fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $104,540 and $136,780, with a median of $128,260.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.6 / 5
Psychology
Knowledge
- 4.4 / 5
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge
- 4.4 / 5
Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge
- 4.2 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Deductive Reasoning
Ability
- 4.1 / 5
Social Perceptiveness
Technical
- 4.1 / 5
Problem Sensitivity
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Speaking
Basic skill
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Record patients' medical information and vital signs.
- 02
Administer medications to patients and monitor patients for reactions or side effects.
- 03
Maintain accurate, detailed reports and records.
- 04
Monitor, record, and report symptoms or changes in patients' conditions.
- 05
Provide health care, first aid, immunizations, or assistance in convalescence or rehabilitation in locations such as schools, hospitals, or industry.
- 06
Consult and coordinate with healthcare team members to assess, plan, implement, or evaluate patient care plans.
- 07
Direct or supervise less-skilled nursing or healthcare personnel or supervise a particular unit.
- 08
Monitor all aspects of patient care, including diet and physical activity.
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Explore coursesFrequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Registered Nurses in Seattle, Washington?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Registered Nurses in the Seattle metropolitan area is $128,260.
- Does Seattle pay more than the Washington state average for Registered Nurses?
- The Seattle metro median is +3.3% versus the Washington state median of $124,200.
- How does Seattle compare to the national median for Registered Nurses?
- The Seattle metro median is +30.4% versus the BLS national figure of $98,331.
- What is the salary range for Registered Nurses in Seattle?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $99,020 and the 90th-percentile at $163,890 for the Seattle 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.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Seattle 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.