Registered Nurse Hourly Pay in Bellingham, WA: $56.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a registered nurse working in Bellingham, WA runs $56.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $117,584 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1141). Weighted against Bellingham's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $52.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $70,550 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Registered nurses in Bellingham, Washington, earn a median hourly rate of $56.53, significantly above the national hourly median of $49.39. This elevated pay reflects the growing demand for skilled nursing professionals in various healthcare settings, including hospital floors, ICUs, emergency departments, and outpatient clinics. For part-time workers, who might typically put in 24 hours per week, this means a stable income around $2,200 weekly. Also, per-diem registered nurse pay in Bellingham can vary greatly, typically falling between $38.50 for entry-level positions to $82.22 for seasoned professionals in specialized roles. While these hourly rates are derived from annual salary data, they paint an encouraging picture for RNs looking to maximize their earnings in a city known for its quality healthcare services.
About the Bellingham Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Registered Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.50 | $308.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.21 | $361.68 |
| Median (P50) | $56.53 | $452.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64.73 | $517.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82.22 | $657.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bellingham
Based on $56.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $56.53/hr, a registered nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bellingham, WA can expect to earn approximately $117,583 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $67,836. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bellingham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bellingham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,261.22 | $9,799 | $117,583 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,356.73 | $5,879 | $70,550 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $904.49 | $3,919 | $47,033 |
Compare RN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (Bellingham) | $56.53 |
| 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 Bellingham, WA earn a median of $117,584 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.46% higher than the national median of $102,730 and 0.10% below the Washington state average of $117,702.
Registered Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $56.53/hr = $70,550/year (purchasing power: $65,689).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $117,583/year (purchasing power: $109,482).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.14/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$53.68/hr
2026 Current Est.
$56.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+111.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Registered Nurses in Bellingham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.31% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.14/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.35/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.23/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $53.68/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for registered nurses in Bellingham grew 90.8% from $28.14/hr (2019) to $53.68/hr (2025). At a 5.31% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $59.53/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 Bellingham 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 Bellingham
For those considering part-time opportunities, a registered nurse working three days a week would take home around $57,940 annually, a substantial income that still lags behind full-time salaries. Many nurses opt for per-diem or agency roles, which can yield anywhere from $50 to $80 per hour depending on their specialty. Travel nursing has surged post-COVID-19, with contracts offering $2,000 to $4,500 weekly, and in crisis situations, pay can skyrocket to $5,000 to $8,000 per week for ICU roles. Additionally, hourly pay can fluctuate based on the type of employer, whether it be hospitals, surgical centers, or home health agencies. Registered nurses must weigh the pros and cons of accepting lower hourly wages that include health and retirement benefits against the higher pay rates that come with less job security. For those in Bellingham, negotiating effectively is key; understanding the demand for specialty certifications and being aware of shift differentials can provide a crucial edge when discussing compensation.
More salary data for Bellingham, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for registered nurses in Bellingham in 2026?
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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
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 Bellingham. 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 Bellingham 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