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
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 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by 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
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within District of Columbia. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.