Registered Nurse Hourly Pay in McLean, VA: $45.06 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a registered nurse working in McLean, VA runs $45.06 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $93,733 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1141). Weighted against McLean's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $43.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,238 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In McLean, Virginia, registered nurse hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $45.06 in 2026, slightly below the national average of $49.39 per hour. This figure is particularly relevant for part-time and per-diem nurses who often find themselves in critical settings such as hospital floors, ICUs, emergency departments, and outpatient clinics. Working three days a week could yield a stable income, aligning effectively with nursing schedules that often fluctuate. The hourly range highlights the profession's diversity in income, from entry-level wages starting at $31.78 to top earners receiving up to $60.66 per hour, underscoring the potential for both novice and experienced RNs to find a place within this competitive market. These hourly rates reflect broader market trends and are derived from annual salaries, indicating the significant earning potential for nurses working in high-stakes environments.
About the McLean Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Registered Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.78 | $254.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.60 | $292.76 |
| Median (P50) | $45.06 | $360.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.84 | $406.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.66 | $485.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in McLean
Based on $45.06/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.06/hr, a registered nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in McLean, VA can expect to earn approximately $93,729 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,075. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in McLean.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in McLean
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,802.49 | $7,811 | $93,729 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,081.49 | $4,686 | $56,238 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $720.99 | $3,124 | $37,492 |
Compare RN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (McLean) | $45.06 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (National Avg) | $29.34 |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) (National Avg) | $18.60 |
| Nurse Practitioner (National Avg) | $63.50 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $19.70 |
Registered Nurses in McLean, VA earn a median of $93,733 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.76% lower than the national median of $102,730 and 2.10% below the Virginia state average of $95,744.
Registered Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.06/hr = $56,238/year (purchasing power: $54,494).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $93,729/year (purchasing power: $90,823).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$32.15/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$42.79/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.06/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+47.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Registered Nurses in McLean (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.31% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.15/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.04/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.75/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $42.79/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.06/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for registered nurses in McLean grew 33.1% from $32.15/hr (2019) to $42.79/hr (2025). At a 5.31% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.45/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem registered nurses can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the McLean 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.
Working as an Hourly Registered Nurse in McLean
Exploring the dynamics of part-time and per-diem registered nurse pay in McLean uncovers compelling earning potential. A nurse working a 24-hour weekly schedule could expect to take home significantly less annually compared to full-time colleagues who enjoy added benefits like health insurance. For those opting for per-diem roles, billing rates can reach between $50 and $80 per hour depending on specialty, with travel nurse contracts frequently netting between $2,000 and $4,500 weekly. Notably, when crisis rates surge in shortage markets, some ICU contracts can offer an astonishing $5,000 to $8,000 per week. Hourly rates can vary according to the employer type; hospital systems, specialty clinics, and home health agencies each have their own compensation structures. Registered nurses may weigh the benefits of consistent pay against the flexibility of higher hourly wages without benefits, prompting some to negotiate effectively on their pay rates. For those starting their journeys in this field, understanding local trends can inform their decisions and prepare them for successful negotiations.
More salary data for McLean, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for registered nurses in McLean in 2026?
How much do part-time registered nurses make in McLean?
Are registered nurses in McLean paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time registered nurse make per year in McLean?
Do registered nurses earn more per hour working part-time in McLean?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Virginia
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.31% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for registered nurses in McLean. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for McLean 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