Registered Nurse Salary in Vancouver, WA: $138,113 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time registered nurse in Vancouver, WA earns a median $138,113/year (≈ $66.40/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1141). Once you factor in Vancouver's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $128,597 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 17.4% above the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The robust registered nurse salary in Vancouver, WA, is projected to reach $138,113 in 2026, significantly surpassing the national median of $102,730 by 34.44%. With a salary range that stretches from $92,165 at the 10th percentile up to $204,103 at the 90th percentile, these figures reflect the local demand for skilled nursing professionals. Notably, shift differentials for nights and weekends can enhance overall pay, as many facilities offer an additional $3 to $7 per hour for night shifts and $3 to $5 for weekends. As Vancouver continually works to attract and retain talented nurses, the competitive compensation landscape offers opportunities for growth and specialization.
About the Vancouver Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,165 | $44.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $114,129 | $54.87 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $138,113 | $66.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $164,581 | $79.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $204,103 | $98.13 |
Median Salary Position
34.44% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Vancouver
In Vancouver, WA, the registered nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $111,938 (2026 est.). At $138,113, the local median is 34.44% above the national median of $102,730.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Vancouver: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Vancouver Registered Nurse Pay Compares
Vancouver median: $138,113/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Vancouver Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $117,643 | +17.40% more |
| National Average | $102,730 | +34.44% more |
Registered Nurses in Vancouver, WA earn a median of $138,113 per year (2026 est.), which is 34.44% higher than the national median of $102,730 and 17.40% above the Washington state average of $117,643.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Vancouver has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Vancouver, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $138,113 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $128,597 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$98,547
2025 BLS Actual
$131,149
2026 Current Est.
$138,113
2019–2027 Growth
+47.6%
Salary Trajectory for Registered Nurses in Vancouver (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.31% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $98,547 | Actual |
| 2020 | $101,276 | Actual |
| 2021 | $104,328 | Actual |
| 2022 | $109,194 | Actual |
| 2023 | $115,715 | Actual |
| 2024 | $117,906 | Actual |
| 2025 | $131,149 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $138,113 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $145,447 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Vancouver metropolitan area, the median registered nurse salary grew 33.1% from $98,547 (2019) to $131,149 (2025). At a 5.31% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $145,447 by 2027 — a total increase of $46,900 (47.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Vancouver 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) | $92,165 – $114,129 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $114,129 – $138,113 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $138,113 – $164,581 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $164,581 – $204,103 |
RN salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual registered nurse compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Registered Nurse Job Market in Vancouver
With 37 registered nurses currently employed in the Vancouver area, the local job market exhibits considerable strength despite a moderate cost-of-living index of 107.4, which can affect take-home purchasing power. Those seeking the highest compensation might find opportunities in hospital systems, particularly in high-intensity settings such as acute care, ICU, and emergency departments, where specialization can result in significant pay differentials. Factors contributing to the variability in registered nurse pay in Vancouver include shift differentials, specialty certifications, and roles like charge nurse positions, which often come with additional stipends. Maximizing earning potential in this market may require strategic choices like pursuing specialty certifications recognized by the ANA and capitalizing on travel nursing opportunities, particularly in specialized fields where the demand remains elevated.
More salary data for Vancouver, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 $131,149 for registered nursesin the Vancouver 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 Vancouver 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