Registered Nurse Salary in Lake Stevens, WA: $113,820 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time registered nurse in Lake Stevens, WA earns a median $113,820/year (≈ $54.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1141). Once you factor in Lake Stevens's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $105,978 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, registered nurse salaries in Lake Stevens, WA, are projected to reach a median annual salary of $113,820, distinctly higher than the national median of $102,730. The local pay range spans from $87,019 at the 10th percentile to $150,879 at the 90th percentile, illustrating the variance influenced by factors such as experience, specialization, and shift differentials. Based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and regional cost adjustments, these figures reflect the increasing demand for skilled nursing professionals in the area. The job market in Lake Stevens offers opportunities for RNs seeking to maximize their compensation through strategic work schedules, particularly during nights and weekends, where differential pay can add significantly to earnings.
About the Lake Stevens Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,019 | $41.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $97,679 | $46.96 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $113,820 | $54.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $126,734 | $60.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $150,879 | $72.54 |
Median Salary Position
10.80% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lake Stevens
In Lake Stevens, WA, the registered nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $63,860 (2026 est.). At $113,820, the local median is 10.8% above the national median of $102,730.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lake Stevens: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lake Stevens Registered Nurse Pay Compares
Lake Stevens median: $113,820/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lake Stevens Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $117,704 | -3.30% less |
| National Average | $102,730 | +10.80% more |
Registered Nurses in Lake Stevens, WA earn a median of $113,820 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.80% higher than the national median of $102,730 and 3.30% below the Washington state average of $117,704.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lake Stevens has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lake Stevens, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $113,820 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $105,978 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$81,213
2025 BLS Actual
$108,081
2026 Current Est.
$113,820
2019–2027 Growth
+47.6%
Salary Trajectory for Registered Nurses in Lake Stevens (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.31% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $81,213 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,462 | Actual |
| 2021 | $85,977 | Actual |
| 2022 | $89,988 | Actual |
| 2023 | $95,362 | Actual |
| 2024 | $112,184 | Actual |
| 2025 | $108,081 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $113,820 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $119,864 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lake Stevens metropolitan area, the median registered nurse salary grew 33.1% from $81,213 (2019) to $108,081 (2025). At a 5.31% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $119,864 by 2027 — a total increase of $38,651 (47.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lake Stevens 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $87,019 – $97,679 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $97,679 – $113,820 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $113,820 – $126,734 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $126,734 – $150,879 |
RN salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual registered nurse compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Registered Nurse Job Market in Lake Stevens
In Lake Stevens, the local job market comprises only nine registered nurses, highlighting a tight employment landscape that could present both challenges and advantages for job seekers. With a cost-of-living index of 107.4, RNs need to consider how their salaries translate into purchasing power. Among the highest-paying employers in the region are local hospital systems, particularly in specialized fields such as ICU and emergency nursing, as well as surgical specialty centers. The disparity between incomes is primarily driven by differential pay for shift work, which can add $3 to $7 per hour for night shifts and $3 to $5 for weekends. Additionally, specialty certifications can boost earnings, as can roles in travel nursing or charge positions within area healthcare facilities. For registered nurses aiming to enhance their pay, focusing on specialty certifications and willingness to work non-traditional hours could prove beneficial in the competitive Lake Stevens market.
More salary data for Lake Stevens, 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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $108,081 for registered nursesin the Lake Stevens metropolitan area. A 5.31% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lake Stevens 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