Last Updated: May 2026
Seattle RN Salary 2026: How Much Do Nurses Make in Seattle, Washington?
Quick Answer
Seattle RNs earn $110,000/year ($52.88/hr) based on the latest BLS data — among the highest nominal nurse salaries in the US. Washington has no state income tax, preserving more of that pay. New grads start at $85,000–$95,000; senior ICU and trauma nurses reach $130,000–$138,000+. UW Medical Center and Seattle Children's pay the market top.
Seattle consistently ranks as one of the highest-paying cities for registered nurses in the US, driven by a strong healthcare ecosystem, competitive tech-sector wages that push up regional pay standards, and Washington's zero state income tax. The University of Washington Medical Center and Seattle Children's Hospital anchor the high end of the market, with multiple regional systems competing aggressively for specialty nurses.
Seattle RN Salary by Experience Level (2026)
Seattle RN Salary by Years of Experience
| Experience Level | Annual Salary Range | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | $85,000 – $95,000 | $40.87 – $45.67/hr |
| Mid-Career (3–7 yrs) | $102,000 – $118,000 | $49.04 – $56.73/hr |
| Senior (8+ yrs) | $115,000 – $132,000 | $55.29 – $63.46/hr |
| Top 10% earners | $138,000+ | $66.35+/hr |
Source: NurseSalaryIntel 2026 estimates based on BLS OEWS May 2024 data
Seattle RN Salary by Hospital (2026)
UW Medical Center is Seattle's flagship academic medical center and Level 1 Trauma Center, offering the highest base salaries in the market plus PSLF eligibility for federal loan forgiveness. Seattle Children's is the top option for pediatric and NICU nurses, with one of the most competitive specialty differentials in the Pacific Northwest.
Nurse Salary by Hospital in Seattle, WA
| Hospital | RN Salary Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| UW Medical Center | $112,000 – $130,000 | Level 1 Trauma; academic; PSLF eligible |
| Seattle Children's Hospital | $108,000 – $128,000 | Top pediatric facility in PNW |
| Swedish Health Services | $105,000 – $124,000 | Multiple Seattle campuses |
| Virginia Mason Franciscan | $103,000 – $120,000 | Strong specialty differentials |
| Providence Swedish | $100,000 – $118,000 | Sign-on bonuses for ICU/ER |
| Overlake Medical Center | $98,000 – $115,000 | Bellevue; strong compensation package |
Source: NurseSalaryIntel 2026 hospital data
Seattle RN Salary by Specialty (2026)
Seattle RN Salary by Specialty
| Specialty | Avg Annual Salary | Premium Over Med-Surg |
|---|---|---|
| Med-Surg | $98,000 | Base |
| L&D | $105,000 | +$7,000 |
| ER | $112,000 | +$14,000 |
| OR / Surgical | $110,000 | +$12,000 |
| ICU / Critical Care | $118,000 | +$20,000 |
| NICU | $113,000 | +$15,000 |
| CRNA (Certified) | $230,000+ | Advanced practice |
Source: NurseSalaryIntel 2026 data
Seattle Salary vs. Cost of Living: The Real Picture
Seattle's $110,000 average RN salary looks exceptional on paper — and it is high. But housing costs roughly 60% above the national average, and Seattle's rental market remains among the most expensive in the country outside of San Francisco and New York. The key advantage that keeps Seattle competitive is Washington's zero state income tax: at $110,000 gross, a Seattle nurse pays $0 in state taxes vs. $9,350 in California on the same salary.
For nurses relocating from high-cost-of-living states like California or New York, Seattle often represents a genuine upgrade in purchasing power. For nurses relocating from lower-cost metros like Houston, Atlanta, or Phoenix, the math is tighter — worth running the full numbers including housing before making a move.
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📊 Data Methodology
Salary figures on this page are 2026 estimates derived from the most recent available U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data, based on the May 2024 survey and published in March 2025. Estimated ranges may also incorporate publicly available 2025 job postings, hospital pay schedules, regional market conditions, and reported compensation trends.
Official 2026 OEWS wage data has not yet been released. All salary figures on this page should be treated as informational estimates rather than official government statistics or guaranteed compensation rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average RN salary in Seattle, WA in 2026?
What hospitals pay nurses the most in Seattle?
Does Washington state have income tax for nurses?
Is the high Seattle nurse salary worth the cost of living?
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