Registered Nurse Salary in Tacoma, WA: $132,818 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time registered nurse in Tacoma, WA earns a median $132,818/year (≈ $63.86/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1141). Once you factor in Tacoma's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $123,667 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 12.9% above the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For registered nurses in Tacoma, Washington, the projected median annual salary in 2026 stands at $132,818, representing a significant leap above the national average of $102,730. The local salary range varies widely, from $91,410 at the 10th percentile to $200,245 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted with regional cost considerations, highlight the competitive pay landscape for nurses in Tacoma. Shift differentials play a crucial role in compensation, with night and weekend shifts often bringing additional pay, making this a particularly effective avenue for augmenting earnings in Tacoma's vibrant healthcare environment.
About the Tacoma Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $91,410 | $43.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $107,415 | $51.64 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $132,818 | $63.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $159,836 | $76.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $200,245 | $96.27 |
Median Salary Position
29.29% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tacoma
In Tacoma, WA, the registered nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $108,835 (2026 est.). At $132,818, the local median is 29.29% above the national median of $102,730.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Tacoma: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Tacoma Registered Nurse Pay Compares
Tacoma median: $132,818/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tacoma Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $117,642 | +12.90% more |
| National Average | $102,730 | +29.29% more |
Registered Nurses in Tacoma, WA earn a median of $132,818 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.29% higher than the national median of $102,730 and 12.90% above the Washington state average of $117,642.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tacoma has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Tacoma, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $132,818 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $123,667 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$94,769
2025 BLS Actual
$126,121
2026 Current Est.
$132,818
2019–2027 Growth
+47.6%
Salary Trajectory for Registered Nurses in Tacoma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.31% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $94,769 | Actual |
| 2020 | $97,393 | Actual |
| 2021 | $100,328 | Actual |
| 2022 | $105,008 | Actual |
| 2023 | $111,279 | Actual |
| 2024 | $117,479 | Actual |
| 2025 | $126,121 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $132,818 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $139,871 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tacoma metropolitan area, the median registered nurse salary grew 33.1% from $94,769 (2019) to $126,121 (2025). At a 5.31% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $139,871 by 2027 — a total increase of $45,102 (47.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tacoma 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) | $91,410 – $107,415 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $107,415 – $132,818 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $132,818 – $159,836 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $159,836 – $200,245 |
RN salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual registered nurse compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Registered Nurse Job Market in Tacoma
In Tacoma, approximately 56 registered nurses are currently employed, emphasizing a localized job market that is gradually strengthening, reflected by a growth rate of 5.31% annually. However, the cost-of-living index of 107.4 indicates that the purchasing power of local salaries may be affected, making it essential for nurses to consider their financial strategies. Employers across acute care and specialty centers tend to offer higher pay; for instance, services dealing with critical care, like ICUs and emergency departments, are typically higher than other nursing roles. The pay disparities can often be attributed to various factors such as shift differentials, specialty certifications, and the differences between travel nursing and staff positions. For nurses aiming to maximize their earning potential, acquiring specialty certifications through recognized bodies like the AACN can significantly enhance their marketability and pay structure in Tacoma.
More salary data for Tacoma, 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 $126,121 for registered nursesin the Tacoma 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 Tacoma 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