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Nursing jobs in Washington 2026

Vacancies, salaries, EB-3 demand and licensing — verified against BLS OEWS 2025 + HRSA NCHWA 2026.

RN Shortage
11,200
High 9.5%
Median Annual Salary
$121,540
$58.43/hr
COL-Adjusted
$97,934
COL index: 121
Compact State?
No
Single-state license

Key insight

In Washington, there is a shortage of 11,200 registered nurses as of 2026 — 9.5% of the state's nursing workforce demand. Median RN salary is $121,540 per year. After cost of living adjustment, purchasing power equals $97,934 in national terms. This is a HIGH-priority EB-3 sponsorship state — international nurses are actively recruited here.

State nursing board

Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission
Endorsement fee: $88 · NCLEX attempts allowed: 8/year
Licensing portal