Entry-Level Registered Nurse Salary in Edmonds, WA: $78,816 (2026)
Quick Answer:New registered nurses entering the Edmonds, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $78,816 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1141, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Edmonds's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $73,385 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($114,121) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Entering the nursing workforce in Edmonds can be a promising endeavor for new graduates. In 2026, the entry-level registered nurse salary in Edmonds is projected to begin at around $78,816, which is significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $114,121. While the initial pay may seem modest, there is potential for substantial growth over time. With a projected increase to approximately $98,305 in the first quarter of one’s career, ambitious new RNs can realistically expect to reach the overall median salary within their first three to five years of employment. Given the proximity to larger healthcare facilities and diverse job opportunities, the Edmonds area currently holds a favorable market for new nursing graduates looking to kickstart their careers.
About the Edmonds Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Edmonds
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Edmonds
Entry-level registered nurses in Edmonds, WA typically start between $78,816 and $98,305 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $80,078 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $114,121 — 11.09% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Washington of $65,000 represents just 82.47% of the starting registered nurse pay ($78,816/year) in Edmonds. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACEN- and CCNE-accredited nursing programs and state board of nursing data. Tuition varies significantly between community college ADN, public university BSN, and private university BSN pathways.
RN Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Edmonds
- 1Research the Edmonds market: entry-level registered nurse pay ranges from $78,816 to $98,305, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the nursing field — employers in WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Edmonds, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Edmonds for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Edmonds's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Registered Nurse Compensation Range
The registered nurse wage spread in Edmonds is $80,078 ( 101.60%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $78,816, experienced hygienists can earn up to $158,894.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$56,539
2025 BLS Actual
$74,842
2026 Current Est.
$78,816
2019–2027 Growth
+46.8%
Salary Trajectory for Registered Nurses in Edmonds (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.31% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,539 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,982 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,540 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,494 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,175 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,536 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,842 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,816 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,001 | Projected |
Entry-level registered nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Edmonds, WA grew 32.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $56,539 in 2019 to $74,842 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $83,001. New graduates entering the Edmonds job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Edmonds metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.31% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your nursing Career in Edmonds
Employers in Edmonds that commonly hire entry-level registered nurses include large health systems, which often feature new graduate residency programs that facilitate the transition from academia to clinical practice. These programs usually last around 12 months and provide invaluable rotations through critical care areas such as the ICU or emergency departments. Community hospitals may also present opportunities for quicker cross-training, making them appealing for those eager to begin their careers swiftly. Educational credentials such as an active RN license, an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree, or even specialized certifications can enhance starting pay. Additionally, early-career nurses are advised to consider travel nursing, which has surged in demand, particularly in high-cost-of-living specialty markets, as it often features higher pay rates and unique experiences. As Edmonds' healthcare industry continues to evolve, new RNs can find meaningful career growth and diverse pathways forward, ensuring an effective start to their nursing profession.
More salary data for Edmonds, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new nursing graduates. A 5.31% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Edmonds. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Edmonds is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.31%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for registered nurses (SOC 29-1141).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov