How much does a Registered Nurse license cost in Washington?

Getting a Registered Nurse license in Washington costs $440 upfront (exam fee $200, application fee $120, license fee $120). Renewal runs $90 every 2 years.

How much do licensed registered nurses earn in Washington?

Licensed registered nurses in Washington earn a median salary of $103,200/year, compared to $50,400/year without the license.

How many CE hours are required to renew a Registered Nurse license in Washington?

Washington requires 30 continuing education hours every 2 years to renew a Registered Nurse license.

Registered Nurse Licenses › Washington

Registered Nurse License Cost in Washington 2026: $440 Fees, $103K Salary

Getting a Registered Nurse license in Washington costs $440 upfront. At state-adjusted salaries, that pays back in 0.1 months.

Registered Nurse License in Washington — Key Numbers

$440

Upfront Cost

$103K

Median Salary (Licensed)

$90

Renewal (every 2 yrs)

0.1 mo

Payback Period

Salary data: BLS OEWS 2024 state estimates. Fees: state licensing board schedules.

Registered Nurse License Cost Breakdown — Washington

Exam fee $200

Application fee $120

Initial license fee $120

Total upfront $440

Renewal fee (every 2 yrs) $90

CE hours required per cycle 30 hours

Salary without license (Washington) $50,400/yr

Salary with license (Washington) $103,200/yr

5-year net ROI $264K

Licensing body: Washington Board of Nursing. Verify current fees before applying — schedules change.

Registered Nurse License in Washington — What to Know

Washington RN salaries rank among the highest in the country. The $103K median reflects the state's strong hospital systems and above-average nursing demand. The NCLEX-RN fee is fixed nationally at $200; state application and license fees add another $350 to the upfront cost. Washington has active travel nursing markets — contracted rates in major hospitals run $40–$65/hour. BSN-prepared nurses in Washington command a consistent hiring premium over ADN graduates.

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Other License Costs in Washington

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← All states: Registered Nurse License Costs

All certifications in Washington · Payback period by state

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