Registered Nurse · Salary Comparison · 2026
Registered Nurse Salary: Richmond, VA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Registered Nurses in Richmond, VA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$68,000 vs $115,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Seattle, WA
$67,327 vs $70,988
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$58,633 vs $65,593
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, VA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $68,000 | $115,000▲ | -$47,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,000 | $88,000▲ | -$36,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $87,000 | $148,000▲ | -$61,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $106,000 | $180,000▲ | -$74,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 101 | 162 | -61 |
| State Income Tax | 5.75% | 0%▲ | +5.75% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $67,327 | $70,988▲ | -$3,661 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $59,219 | $106,260▲ | -$47,041 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $58,633 | $65,593▲ | -$6,960 |
| Total Employment | 22,000 | 32,000 | -10,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Richmond, VA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $47,000 more (median: $68,000 vs $115,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 101 vs 162), Seattle, WA provides better purchasing power ($67,327 vs $70,988 equivalent). Seattle, WA has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage.
4More Registered Nurse City Comparisons
Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS · 2026 · Cost-of-living indices from composite metro area data. Take-home estimates approximate only — consult a tax professional for accurate figures.