Registered Nurse salary in District of Columbia
A registered nurse in District of Columbia earns an estimated $109,260 a year ($52.53/hr) — about 12% above the U.S. average, with most between $89,970 and $125,830. State figures are estimates based on national pay for the role and local cost of living — a starting point, not a guaranteed local wage.
Registered Nurse — District of Columbia
EstimatedMedian annual pay
$109,260
+12% vs nationalHourly
$52.53/hr
- Typical range
- $89,970–$125,830
- What most nurses earn
- High end
- $153,970
- Top earners
- Entry level
- $77,210
- Newer nurses
Registered Nurse pay by city in District of Columbia
Estimated pay in the state's largest metro areas.
| City | Est. annual | Est. hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | $109,260 | $52.53 |
Registered Nurse pay in nearby-paying states
How District of Columbia compares to states with similar registered nurse pay.
Other nursing roles in District of Columbia
Compare estimated pay for related roles in this state.
What affects registered nurse pay in District of Columbia
High pay and high cost of living in the capital. For a registered nurse specifically, pay is shaped by the metro labor market, hospital vs clinic vs long-term-care setting, union presence, shift differentials, unit acuity, and years of experience. Certifications and a move into charge or advanced-practice roles raise pay further. Use the calculator to estimate your own.
How this estimate was calculated
The District of Columbia figure adjusts the national RN average of $97,550 for local pay levels — a factor of 1.12× (about 12% above the U.S. average). It is a starting point — not an official District of Columbia wage — until verified local figures and nurse submissions are loaded.
Local pay can vary well beyond this by specialty, shift, union status, employer type, overtime, and care setting. When official state wage data is loaded, this number updates to a verified value automatically.
Use this state estimate as a starting point
- It’s a starting point for District of Columbia, based on national pay and local cost of living until official state data is loaded — not a guaranteed local wage.
- Your actual pay shifts with role and specialty, care setting, shift, overtime, union status, and years of experience — so compare a role-specific page and personalize the calculator.
- Reviewed salary submissions from nurses in District of Columbia make this page more precise over time.
Registered Nurse salary in District of Columbia — FAQ
- How much does a registered nurse make in District of Columbia?
- A registered nurse in District of Columbia earns an estimated $109,260 a year — about $52.53 an hour, with most between $89,970 and $125,830. That's about 12% above the national average. This is an estimate based on national pay for the role and District of Columbia's local pay level, not a guaranteed local wage.
- Is District of Columbia a good state for registered nurses?
- For pay, District of Columbia sits about 12% above the national average for registered nurses. A higher number often comes with a higher cost of living, so weigh the estimated $109,260 against local housing and expenses rather than the headline figure alone.
- Which city in District of Columbia pays registered nurses the most?
- Among District of Columbia metros we track, Washington tends to have the highest estimated pay for registered nurses, at roughly $109,260 a year. City figures are estimates based on the role's national pay and local cost of living.
- How does District of Columbia registered nurse pay compare to the national average?
- The national figure for a registered nurse is about $97,550 a year, versus an estimated $109,260 in District of Columbia — about 12% above the national average. Use the calculator to factor in your experience, specialty, and shift.
- Why are some figures verified and others estimates?
- National pay for the main nursing roles — registered nurses, LPNs/LVNs, nurse practitioners, CRNAs, nurse midwives, and nursing assistants — comes from verified public wage data. State, city, and specialty figures that aren't reported on their own start from that national pay and are labeled "Estimated" or "Specialty estimate." We never show an estimate as a verified figure.
Source & confidence— An estimate based on national nurse pay and local cost of living. A ballpark to start from, not an exact figure.
Modeled estimate (BLS national × state wage index)
District of Columbia figures are estimated by adjusting the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS national median for local pay levels (a state adjustment of 1.12×).
Source year 2025. Last reviewed July 3, 2026. Full methodology
Estimated figure — national registered nurse pay adjusted for District of Columbia. Last reviewed July 3, 2026.