Average Registered Nurse Salary in District of Columbia
Registered Nurses in District of Columbia earn an average of $107,460 per year across 1 metro area. This is +14.8% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$107,460
per year
Hourly Rate
$51.66
per hour
vs National
+14.8%
$93,600 national
Salary Range
$72,072
to $150,151
About Registered Nurse Careers in District of Columbia
Registered nurses (RNs) are essential healthcare professionals who provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients about health conditions, and offer emotional support to patients and their families. They work in various healthcare settings and serve as the backbone of the healthcare system, providing critical care and advocacy for patients.
In District of Columbia, registered nurses earn an average of $107,460 per year as of 2026, with salaries ranging from $72,072 for entry-level roles to $150,151 for the most experienced professionals — +14.8% above the national average. Pay is influenced most by nursing specialty (icu, emergency, oncology tend to pay more), education level (bsn vs. adn), and the specific metro area within District of Columbia.
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$107,460
Cost of Living Index
153
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$70,235
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for District of Columbia's cost of living (above average), a Registered Nurse's salary of $107,460 has the purchasing power of $70,235 in an average-cost area.
Registered Nurse Salary by City in District of Columbia
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington, DC | $107,460 | $51.66/hr | $72,072 | $150,151 | 3,875 |
Modeled estimates derived from the 2026 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS national median and regional cost factors. Sorted by estimated median salary (highest first).
District of Columbia vs National Average
Registered Nurse Salary Comparison
Employment in District of Columbia
There are approximately 3,875 Registered Nurses employed across 1 metro area in District of Columbia.
Key Industries: Federal Government, Legal Services, Professional Services
State Income Tax: 4% - 10.75%
Registered Nurse Salary Range in District of Columbia
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$72,072
Starting salary for new Registered Nurses
Median (50th Percentile)
$107,460
Mid-career Registered Nurse salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$150,151
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in District of Columbia
Pharmacist
$158,980
avg in DC
+$51,520 vs Registered Nurse
Nurse Practitioner
$147,456
avg in DC
+$39,996 vs Registered Nurse
Dental Hygienist
$104,079
avg in DC
-$3,381 vs Registered Nurse
Licensed Practical Nurse
$69,129
avg in DC
-$38,331 vs Registered Nurse
Nursing Assistant
$43,303
avg in DC
-$64,157 vs Registered Nurse
Registered Nurse Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Registered Nurse salaries in District of Columbia with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More District of Columbia Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Registered Nurse salary in District of Columbia?
The average Registered Nurse salary in District of Columbia is $107,460 per year ($51.66/hour) based on 2026 data across 1 metro areas. This is 14.8% above the national average of $93,600.
What is the highest paying city for Registered Nurses in District of Columbia?
Washington, DC is the highest paying city for Registered Nurses in District of Columbia, with a median salary of $107,460 per year.
What is the salary range for Registered Nurses in District of Columbia?
Registered Nurse salaries in District of Columbia range from $72,072 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $150,151 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $107,460 per year.
About This Data
The national median for this occupation comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. The metro and state figures on this page are modeled estimates: we adjust that national median using regional wage differentials and cost-of-living indexes, then average the metros within District of Columbia. They are not direct BLS metro observations and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers.