Registered Nurse License in Washington
Quick Answer
To become a registered nurse in Washington, you must complete an approved nursing program, pass the NCLEX-RN, and pay an $88 application fee. Washington is an NLC compact state. Total estimated costs are approximately $388. Washington offers some of the highest nursing salaries nationally.
- Exam
- NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination)
- Total Cost
- $388 (est.)
- Timeline
- 2-4 years (education) + 1-3 months (licensing)
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
Requirements
Registered Nurse registration in Washington
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $88
- Exam Fee
- $200
- Renewal Fee
- $88
- Total Estimated Cost
- $388
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Registered Nurse license in Washington. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.
Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program
Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the Washington licensing board.
Registered Nurse Salary in Washington
Entry Level
$86,490
Median
$112,180
Experienced
$149,370
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Registered Nurse in Washington.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Submit Background Check
No criminal record prohibitions
- 3
Pass the Required Exam
Third-party exam required — NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination)
- 4
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$88.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 2-4 years (education) + 1-3 months (licensing).
Registered Nurse Licensing in Washington: What to Know
Washington explicitly mentions the $88 application fee in its COS description. Applicants must complete an approved nursing school program, pass the NCLEX-RN, and list other states where they have practiced. CE is required for renewal, and no blanket criminal record prohibitions exist. Washington is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). The Washington Department of Health oversees nursing licensure. Seattle's major health systems (UW Medicine, Swedish Medical, Virginia Mason Franciscan) and the Puget Sound region drive strong demand. Washington offers some of the highest nursing salaries in the nation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a Registered Nurse license cost in Washington?
- The estimated total cost is $388, including application fees, exam fees ($200), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a Registered Nurse license in Washington?
- The process typically takes 2-4 years (education) + 1-3 months (licensing), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Registered Nurse license in Washington?
- You need to pass the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination). Third-party exam required
Considering another state?
Compare Registered Nurse requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.