worthsay

Nursing Salary in Washington: Is It a Good Career?

Washington · 2026 BLS salary data

Nursing pay in Washington

The median wage is $124,200/yr — 27% above the national median. Among U.S. states, Washingtonranks #4 of 51 states by median pay.

The numbers in Washington

Real BLS state-level figures for Nursing.

Median salary
$124,200/yr
Pay range (25th–75th)
$103,100 – $134,240
National median
$97,550/yr
Employed in Washington
69,260

Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics (OEWS), state estimates, May 2025 release.

What that pay is really worth in Washington

Salary alone can mislead — Washington costs 7% more than the U.S. average. Here's the median adjusted for local prices (real purchasing power).

Cost of living (US=100)
107
Nominal median
$124,200
Adjusted for cost of living
≈ $116,075
State income tax
None

Washington levies no state income tax, so more of that pay stays in your pocket than in high-tax states.

Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities (all items, US=100), 2024. Adjusted pay = nominal median ÷ (RPP/100) — purchasing power vs the U.S. average. State income tax = top marginal rate on wage income (Tax Foundation, 2025); your effective rate is lower and depends on income and deductions.

FAQ

How much do nursing professionals make in Washington?

The median annual wage is $124,200 (BLS OEWS, state estimates), with the middle 50% earning between $103,100 and $134,240. That's 27% above the national median.

Is Washington a good state for nursing?

By raw pay, Washington ranks #4 of 51 states by median pay. Adjusted for cost of living (Washington costs 7% more than the U.S. average), that median is worth about $116,075. And with no state income tax, more of that pay stays in your pocket.

Are nursing professionals in demand in Washington?

About 69,260 people work in this field in Washington (BLS OEWS). Nationally, BLS projects +4.9% employment growth for this field from 2024 to 2034.

The verdict, pros, and cons below apply to Nursing nationally — Washington pay is 27% above the national median. See the full Nursing career guide →

The verdict

Yes for most people — nursing pays well above the U.S. median with strong job security, but it costs you nights, weekends, and physical/emotional strain. Worth it if you want stable demand and can handle the hours; not if you need a 9-to-5 desk job.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Pay well above the U.S. median wage
  • Strong, recession-resistant demand (aging population)
  • Portable license — jobs in every city and specialty
  • Clear ladder: RN → BSN → NP with big pay jumps
  • Entry in ~2-4 years, far cheaper than med school

Cons

  • 12-hour shifts, nights, weekends, holidays
  • Physically demanding and emotionally draining
  • High burnout rates, especially post-pandemic
  • Exposure to illness, trauma, and difficult patients
  • Understaffing is common and worsening in many hospitals

Who it's for

✓ A good fit if…

  • People who want stability and are comfortable in high-stakes settings
  • Those who prefer hands-on, human-facing work over a desk
  • Anyone wanting a fast, affordable route to a strong salary

✗ Probably not if…

  • People who need fixed weekday hours
  • Those who struggle with high-stress or high-emotion environments
  • Anyone squeamish around blood, bodily fluids, or death

What people are actually asking

Real Reddit discussions on whether Nursing is worth it — titles link to the original threads.