HealthcareOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Registered Nurse Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$168,696/yr
Typical range: $158,099 – $186,304
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Registered Nurse salary by experience level in Washington DC
Registered Nurse Salary Progression in Washington DC
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $92,256 | $7,688 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $113,343 | $9,445 | +23% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $125,644 | $10,470 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $139,174 | $11,598 | +51% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $168,696 | $14,058 | +83% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $194,001 | $16,167 | +110% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $200,327 | $16,694 | +117% |
Current Salary
$168,696
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $81/hr
Next Level Target
$194,001
Principal · 14
+$25Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
42/100
Below Average
+6% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Registered Nurse salary in Washington DC, DC?
Staff / Lead Registered Nurses in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $169K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Registered Nurse make per hour in Washington DC, DC?
Based on $169K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $81/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Registered Nurse in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Registered Nurse in Washington DC, DC earns $158K–$186K/yr.