Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA): WSNA is the largest and most influential professional organization for nurses in Washington. It advocates for nursing practice, workplace rights, patient safety and healthcare policy at the state and national levels. Provides continuing education, leadership training and access to legal support for members.
Bachelor’s Degrees in Nursing
By: All Nursing Schools Staff
What salary can you earn as a BSN nurse in Washington?
Washington’s natural beauty, from the Cascade Mountains to Puget Sound, offers nurses the chance to enjoy outdoor recreation like hiking, skiing and kayaking, supporting a healthy work-life balance. The state also faces a growing demand for nurses, especially those with BSN degrees, as hospitals and healthcare facilities aim to meet “Magnet” status, which prioritizes a more educated nursing workforce.
With this in mind, here are three compelling reasons for BSN nurses to consider working in Washington State:
- High pay and benefits:
- Washington is currently ranked among the top five paying states for nurses, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). As of recent reports, the average RN salary in Washington is well above the national average. BSN-prepared nurses may earn even higher salaries due to their advanced education. Many healthcare employers in Washington also offer attractive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, tuition reimbursement and sign-on bonuses, especially in high-demand areas.
- Strong job market:
- Washington is home to top-tier healthcare institutions like the University of Washington Medical Center, Providence Health and MultiCare Health System, offering BSN nurses opportunities to work in cutting-edge medical environments. Many facilities in the state are magnet-designated, meaning they focus on high-quality nursing care and support professional development, which is especially advantageous for BSN-prepared nurses seeking career growth.
- Progressive, nurse-friendly policies:
- The state promotes nurse well-being, safe staffing ratios and mental health resources, creating a more supportive work environment. Nurses are also protected by strong labor unions like SEIU Healthcare 1199NW, which advocates for fair wages and better working conditions.
In this Article
Quick view | Salary statistics | Factors affecting salaries in WA | Earning a BSN | What’s next? | Cost of living considerations | Nurse resources in WA
Snapshot of BSN nurses in Washington
Washington has roughly 65,030 people employed as RNs says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which amounts to approximately 19 people working as RNs for every 1,000 people that live in the state. This number could also include ADN-prepared RNs besides BSN-prepared RNs. The median wage per hour is $54, considerably above the national average of $45. In fact, the BLS lists Washington as the fourth highest-paying state in the U.S. The forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 4.9%.
Washington offers diverse opportunity for BSN-prepared nurses due to a growing focus on higher education. As such, BSN nurses are often preferred for roles in leadership, specialized care and community health in settings such as hospitals, outpatient care centers, long-term care facilities and public health agencies. These five Washington employers are just a slice of potential workplaces for nurses, from bedside care to leadership and education roles:
- University of Washington Medical Center (UWMC), Seattle:
- A world-renowned teaching hospital with Magnet designation, offering numerous opportunities for advanced practice, research and career growth.
- Providence Health & Services, Seattle and locations across Washington including Everett, Spokane and Olympia:
- One of the largest healthcare systems in the region, offering opportunities in acute care, community health and leadership roles.
- MultiCare Health System, Tacoma, Puyallup, and other cities:
- A not-for-profit health system known for its family-friendly work environment and support for continuing education for nurses.
- Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, Seattle, Tacoma and multiple locations:
- Combines the resources of Virginia Mason and CHI Franciscan, offering nurses roles in cutting-edge medical research, leadership and holistic patient care.
- Swedish Health Services, Seattle, with other facilities in the Puget Sound region:
- Swedish—which is part of the Providence system—prioritizes nurse well-being, professional development and a collaborative work environment, with strong support for BSN-prepared nurses.
BSN nurse salary stats for Washington
The median annual salary for registered nurses with a BSN in Washington is well above the national median of $93,600, however the cost of living in Washington is also higher. Too, salaries may vary based on other factors such as experience, education and employer no matter where you live in the state.
Registered Nurses
10%$86,490
25%$98,570
50%$112,180Median
75%$130,420
90%$149,370
Median Hourly Wage$54
Job growth4.9%
Total Employment64,690
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $118,570 | $89,700 | $157,380 |
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA | $108,350 | $85,700 | $134,470 |
| Walla Walla, WA | $105,360 | $85,970 | $135,130 |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA | $103,850 | $80,560 | $150,720 |
| Longview-Kelso, WA | $103,740 | $83,570 | $150,990 |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA | $102,660 | $81,800 | $133,340 |
| Bellingham, WA | $101,580 | $84,310 | $149,370 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA | $101,180 | $84,390 | $152,660 |
| Kennewick-Richland, WA | $100,540 | $82,260 | $151,360 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA | $99,290 | $82,770 | $136,030 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2024 median salary; projected job growth through 2034. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Salary ranges for BSN RNs in Washington
The BLS reports that the salary range for BSN RNs in Washington typically spans from $86,490 for the lowest 10% of RNs to $149,370 for the top 10% of RNs per year. This salary range includes entry-level positions as well as senior-level roles, such as nurse educators and clinical nurse specialists, and takes into account whether a nurse has earned a specialty credential.
In Washington State, many hospitals strive for Magnet status to attract top nursing talent, improve patient care and maintain a reputation for clinical excellence. Magnet status is a prestigious designation awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to healthcare organizations that demonstrate excellence in nursing practice, patient outcomes and a commitment to continuous improvement.
For BSN-prepared nurses, Magnet status is especially significant. Hospitals with Magnet status are more likely to require or prefer BSN degrees for hiring and promotion, giving BSN nurses a competitive edge. Additionally, Magnet facilities emphasize professional development, evidence-based practice and nurse leadership, providing BSN nurses with more opportunities for growth, education reimbursement and pathways to leadership roles.
Employment and pay by Washington metro areas
The BLS reports wages and employment by metropolitan areas and they note that large cities logically employ more nurses than smaller cities or towns. The BLS also records non-metropolitan area data, and while Washington ranks fourth for pay, no metro area in the state ranks nationally in the top five BLS listings. Here are national metropolitan areas by highest employment level:
Within Washington, top paying metro areas include Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue ($109,700), Walla Walla ($107,450) and Wenatchee ($104,300).
Washington’s salary growth and job outlook
The job outlook for RNs in Washington is positive. According to WC Nursing, employment is projected to grow by 8.77% from 61,808 positions in 2019 to 67,475 by 2029. This growth rate is slightly higher than the BLS national projection, where RN employment is expected to increase by 4.9% through 2034.
Over the next decade, Washington anticipates continued demand for RNs due to factors such as an aging population and healthcare expansion. The state has been experiencing a significant credential gap said Washington STEM, with more than 18,000 nursing-related jobs available annually but only about 4,900 credentials granted each year. This gap suggests strong employment opportunities for nurses in the coming years.
Factors affecting BSN RN salaries in WA
Several factors specific to Washington State influence the salary a BSN-prepared nurse can earn. Here are the most important ones:
- Location and cost of living:
- BSN nurses in urban areas like Seattle, Tacoma and Bellevue typically earn higher salaries compared to those in rural parts of the state due to the higher cost of living and increased demand in larger healthcare systems. To attract nurses, employers in these areas offer higher wages to remain competitive.
- Employer type and facility:
- BSN nurses working in large hospital systems, especially Magnet-designated hospitals like the University of Washington Medical Center, may earn higher salaries than those working in outpatient clinics or nursing homes. Nurses in specialized units (ICU, operating rooms or labor and delivery) are paid more due to the complexity and intensity of care required.
- Experience and specialization:
- As with most states, BSN nurses with more experience usually command higher wages. However, Washington has a strong focus on continuing education and nurse leadership, which can accelerate promotions for BSN-prepared nurses. Nurses with certifications in areas like critical care (CCRN) or oncology (OCN) may earn higher salaries than general medical-surgical nurses.
- Union membership and collective bargaining:
- Washington nurses benefit from strong unions like SEIU Healthcare 1199NW, which negotiate higher pay, better benefits and more robust job protections. Unionized facilities tend to offer better compensation than non-union ones.
- Demand and shortage of nurses:
- Washington faces a nursing shortage due to population growth and an aging population needing more healthcare services. To fill vacancies, employers may offer sign-on bonuses, higher starting wages and student loan repayment assistance for BSN nurses. With demand for nurses far exceeding the number of graduates entering the field, many healthcare providers increase salaries to attract and retain talent. This shortage is particularly acute in rural areas where staffing challenges are greater.
- Shift differentials and overtime pay:
- BSN nurses who work night shifts, weekends or holidays often receive shift differentials—extra pay on top of their hourly wage. Some hospitals in Washington offer overtime pay at 1.5x or 2x the base hourly rate for extra shifts. Washington has labor laws in place to protect nurses from mandatory overtime, but nurses still have the opportunity to earn overtime pay voluntarily.
Washington education requirements
To become a BSN-prepared nurse and work as a registered nurse (RN) in Washington State, you must meet certain educational, licensing and credentialing requirements. Here’s a step-by-step guide to those requirements:
Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Complete a state-approved nursing program that awards a BSN degree. Programs may be completed at universities, colleges or online/hybrid learning institutions.
- If you have an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), you can pursue an RN-to-BSN bridge program .Coursework typically includes nursing theory, clinical practice, anatomy, pharmacology and public health.
Complete supervised clinical hours
- Most BSN programs in Washington require 700-1,000 hours of clinical experience in healthcare settings.
- Clinical rotations include experience in areas such as pediatrics, medical-surgical nursing, mental health, obstetrics and community health.
Licensing requirements
To practice as a nurse in Washington, you must obtain an RN license from the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission (NCQAC).
- Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam: After graduating from a BSN program, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become licensed as a registered nurse (RN).
- Apply for a Washington RN license: Submit an application through the Washington State Department of Health (DOH), pay an application fee, provide proof of your BSN degree and official transcripts and complete a background check and fingerprinting.
Complete continuing education requirements
- Washington requires nurses to complete 45 hours of continuing education (CE) every three years to maintain an active license.
- Nurses must also complete at least 531 hours of active nursing practice within a three-year period.
- Additional training on suicide prevention is required as part of the CE requirements.
Where do I go after earning a BSN?
If you already hold a BSN and are looking to advance your nursing career, there are several potential paths you can take. These paths often require further education, certification and experience, but they open up higher-paying, specialized and leadership-oriented roles. Here’s a breakdown of possible next steps:
- Earn an MSN: Opens doors to roles as an Nurse Practitioner (NP), Nurse Educator or Nurse Leader.
- Get certified: Pass certification exams for specific roles like NP, CNS, CRNA or Nurse Executive.
- Consider earning a DNP: A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) provides a terminal degree option for those seeking leadership, nurse practitioner or high-impact roles.
Explore non-traditional or emerging roles
Possible titles:
- Nurse informaticist
- Nurse researcher
- Healthcare consultant
- Public health nurse
These roles may give you a chance to work in tech, policy or research, often with the potential to impact health systems, community or population health. Most of these roles require an MSN in a relevant field, such as nurse informatics or public health. Experience in technology, research or public health can also be useful. Jobs in informatics and consulting often have higher salaries and offer opportunities for remote work or hybrid roles.
Cost of living considerations in Washington
Washington State’s cost of living is approximately 17% higher than the national average, said RentCafe. This elevated cost is primarily driven by housing expenses, which are about 29% above the national average.
| Higher-cost areas | Cost of living |
|---|---|
| Seattle | The cost of living is about 36.7% above the national average, with significant contributions from housing and transportation expenses. |
| Bellevue | Similar to Seattle, Bellevue’s cost of living is also 36.7% higher than the national average, reflecting its affluent status and proximity to major tech companies. |
| Lower-cost areas | Cost of living |
|---|---|
| Spokane | With a cost of living 4.5% below the national average, Spokane offers more affordable housing and general expenses, making it an attractive option for those seeking lower living costs. |
| Pullman | Recognized for its affordability and safety, Pullman has an average monthly cost of living around $3,126, which is relatively low compared to other cities in the state. |
Professional groups for WA BSN nurses
Joining an organization offers valuable resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy for nursing professionals and students across Washington. Here are some professional organizations in the state that support nurses, nursing students and advanced practice nurses:
SEIU Healthcare 1199NW (Service Employees International Union): SEIU Healthcare 1199NW represents nurses and other healthcare workers in negotiations for better wages, benefits and working conditions. Nurses who are members of this union benefit from collective bargaining agreements that can result in higher pay, better shift differentials and other benefits.
Washington Center for Nursing (WCN): WCN focuses on addressing nursing shortages, promoting diversity and supporting nurse education. It provides resources for nurses to advance their careers, including funding for nursing education and leadership development. WCN works with healthcare employers, educators and government agencies to increase the supply of BSN-prepared nurses.
This guide to salaries for BSN-prepared RNs in Washington is designed to give you a thorough overview of what to expect pay-wise in this important healthcare field. Consider it your starting point for making smart career choices, negotiating your salary and setting achievable goals for your education and professional journey.