Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing — no state income tax. Here's how Registered Nurse (RN)s in Seattle get paid in 2026.
How pay scales with career stage in the Seattle metro market.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $90,700 | $69,000 | $118,000 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $112,800 | $85,700 | $146,600 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $129,700 | $98,600 | $168,600 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $155,600 | $118,300 | $202,300 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $176,300 | $134,000 | $229,200 |
Highest-paying metros for Registered Nurse (RN)s — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the Seattle metro economy.
The average Registered Nurse (RN) salary in the Seattle metro is $129,700 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $98,600 to $168,600 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $214,000 or more.
Yes — Seattle pays +10% relative to the Washington state median for Registered Nurse (RN)s. Major metros typically concentrate higher-paying employers and command a wage premium over rural and small-city areas in the same state.
Seattle vs. national: +37%. That puts Seattle among the stronger US markets for Registered Nurse (RN)s — though cost of living in Seattle is also typically elevated.
In Seattle, the median Registered Nurse (RN) salary of $129,700 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level Registered Nurse (RN)s in Seattle start around $90,700, while seniors (10+ years) reach $155,600 or more.
Metro medians are useful benchmarks — but your exact number depends on your experience, education, and the specific employer. Run the free calculator for a personalized read.
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