Washington State sits in the Pacific Northwest, sharing borders with Oregon, Idaho, and Canada. It’s a nature lover’s dream, with volcanoes, forests, glaciers, and beaches all in one place. On top of that, the healthcare industry is booming here. In fact, there are more job openings for registered nurses than any other role, according to state data.
Ready to explore nursing jobs in Washington State? IntelyCare can connect you with a range of opportunities — full-time, part-time, contract, temporary, or per diem — plus plenty of outdoor adventures in your free time.
Quick Facts About Nursing Jobs in Washington State
- Does Washington State belong to the Nurse Licensure Compact? Yes. Learn more about the Nurse Practice Act in different states.
- How much do nurses make in Washington State? The average annual salaries for nursing jobs in Washington State vary based on your experience and educational background:
- NP salary in Washington State: $143,620
- RN salary in Washington State: $115,740
- LVN salary in Washington State: $79,970
- CNA salary in Washington State: $49,960
- Where can I learn more about Washington State requirements for nurse licenses? The Washington State Board of Nursing has everything you need to know. If your license is about to expire, take a look at our guide on Washington State license renewal.
- What are the most populous cities to find jobs in Washington State? These five populous cities are great places to start your search:
- Seattle
- Spokane
- Tacoma
- Vancouver
- Bellevue
What to Know When Pursuing Nursing Jobs in Washington State
Home to more than 7.7 million people, Washington, or the Evergreen State, is ranked among the top 10 states in the country. The median age in WA is 38.6, which is younger than the national median. Be ready to use your cultural competence skills here; the population is diverse, with 69.8% of residents identifying as White, 12.3% as Hispanic or Latino, 8% as Asian, 4.6% as multiracial, 3.5% as Black, 1.1% as Native American, 0.6% as Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and 0.1% claiming other.
Approximately 17.1% of the population is 65 or older, while 21.1% is under 18. If you have a background in pediatric nursing, it can definitely help your job search, so be sure to add it to your nursing resume.
Washington has a variety of nursing jobs open across different roles. Here are some of the most sought-after positions:
- Nurse practitioner jobs in Washington State
- Nurse anesthetist jobs in Washington State
- Nurse midwife jobs in Washington State
- Registered nurse jobs Washington State
- Licensed practical nurse jobs in Washington State
- Nursing assistant jobs in Washington State
- CMA jobs in Washington State
- HHA jobs in Washington State
- Surgical tech jobs in Washington State
- Caregiver jobs in Washington State
- Student nurse jobs in Washington State
- Medication aide jobs in Washington State
Working in Washington State
The healthcare industry is the largest employer in the state, providing a wide range of career opportunities. Whether you’re looking for NP, LPN, CNA, or RN jobs, Washington State has a strong need for healthcare professionals at all levels.
If you want to find work in the acute care, you’ll find plenty of top-notch hospitals and medical centers, which include:
- UW Medicine
- Swedish Health Services
- EvergreenHealth
- Legacy Health
- Overlake Medical Center and Clinics
- Kadlec Regional Medical Center
- MultiCare Health System
- Kaiser Permanente Washington
If you're interested in working in post-acute or long-term care, there are plenty of facilities to explore, such as:
- Alderwood Post Acute and Rehabilitation
- Birch Creek Post Acute and Rehabilitation
- Canterbury House
- Enumclaw Health and Rehabilitation Center
- Gig Harbor Health and Rehabilitation
- Lacey Post Acute and Rehabilitation
- Royal Park Health and Rehabilitation
Not a fan of bedside care? Nursing jobs in Washington State can also be found in home care centers such as Family Resource Home Care and research institutions like Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. For those passionate about public health, there are positions at the Washington State Department of Health. You can also consider remote RN jobs. Washington State’s well-developed healthcare system offers a wide range of opportunities for everyone.
Wondering how long it takes to get to work in Washington State? The average one-way commute here is about 27.1 minutes, a little longer than the national average. Most people (72.3%) drive alone, 10% carpool, 6.3% use public transit, and 5.7% work from home.
Have kids or pets and wondering how to juggle caregiving responsibilities with work? Washington State has plenty of options for child care and pet care to give you peace of mind while you're on shift.
Living in Washington State
Washington State is a dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Hike through Mount Rainier National Park, where you can see glaciers, waterfalls, and wildflower meadows. Explore the coastline at Olympic National Park, home to the famous Hoh Rainforest. For water lovers, kayaking around the San Juan Islands offers a chance to spot orcas. Don’t forget to visit Snoqualmie Falls for its stunning views, or explore North Cascades National Park, famous for its beautiful alpine lakes.
Curious about indoor adventures? Check out the Seattle Art Museum, known for its impressive American and contemporary art collections. If you're a science enthusiast, the Pacific Science Center offers hands-on exhibits, perfect for families and children. For something a bit different, check out the Museum of Flight, home to an extensive collection of aircraft, including the iconic Boeing 747 and Concorde.
Washington State is known for its rich cultural heritage. One of the highlights is the Seattle International Film Festival, which is one of the biggest film festivals in the country. The Fremont Fair is a quirky annual event that celebrates creativity and sustainability. Don’t forget the Washington State Apple Blossom Festival, where you can enjoy a parade, carnival, and all things apple to honor the area's rich apple-growing history.
Washington State has a diverse range of climates. The west is known for its abundant rainfall, the east enjoys more dry days, and the northern region can be quite cold. Temperatures typically range from 31 to 79 degrees. In general, Washington is quite cloudy, averaging just 165 sunny days a year, compared to the national average of 205.
While Washington State has much to offer, the cost of living is 21.9% higher than the national average. A typical home is priced at around $534,700, and renting a two-bedroom apartment costs about $1,730 a month. For a comfortable lifestyle, a family needs around $102,600 a year, while a single person should aim for $57,600.
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