Registered Nurse Salary in Arlington, VA (2026)
Registered Nurses (RNs) provide patient care in hospitals, clinics, schools, and other healthcare settings.
Median Annual Salary
$102,510
in Arlington · BLS OEWS
Real Purchasing Power
$93,580
adjusted for local cost of living
National Rank
#33
among cities with BLS data
Registered Nurses in Arlington
The median annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Arlington, VA is $102,510 per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. This works out to approximately $8,543/month or $49/hour.
Compared to the median across all surveyed cities ($96,980), Arlington pays 6% more than the typical city.
Arlington has a cost of living index of 109.5 (US average = 100), so higher local costs reduce your real purchasing power. In inflation-adjusted terms, $102,510 in Arlington is equivalent to $93,580 in a city at the US average cost of living.
BLS wage data is collected at the metropolitan statistical area (MSA) level, so this figure represents the Arlington metro area, not just the city itself.
Top 10 Cities for Registered Nurses by Salary
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Berkeley, CA | $178,450 |
| 2 | San Francisco, CA | $178,450 |
| 3 | Oakland, CA | $178,450 |
| 4 | Sacramento, CA | $163,020 |
| 5 | Folsom, CA | $163,020 |
| 6 | Roseville, CA | $163,020 |
| 7 | Carlsbad, CA | $139,350 |
| 8 | San Diego, CA | $139,350 |
| 9 | Chula Vista, CA | $139,350 |
| 10 | Anaheim, CA | $138,010 |
Source: BLS OEWS · Metro-level data
Other Occupations in Arlington
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | $151,000 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $78,790 |
| Electrician | $78,580 |
| Accountant | $108,670 |
Full cost of living profile for Arlington
See median rent, home values, cost of living index, air quality, and more for Arlington.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Registered Nurse salary in Arlington?
The median annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Arlington, VA is $102,510 per year, according to BLS OEWS data.
How does Arlington Registered Nurse pay compare nationally?
Arlington Registered Nurse pay ($102,510) is 6% above the median across surveyed cities ($96,980).
Does cost of living affect Registered Nurse salaries in Arlington?
Yes. Arlington has a cost of living index of 109.5 (US average = 100). After adjusting for local prices, a $102,510 salary in Arlington has the purchasing power of approximately $93,580 in an average-cost city.
Data last updated: June 1, 2026 · Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) · Methodology