Nursing Jobs in Seattle, WA

If you’re in the market for Northwest nursing jobs, Seattle, Washington, could be the home of your next opportunity. Known as the Emerald City for its lush green landscape, Seattle is not the capital of the Evergreen State (that’s Olympia), but it is its largest city. Seattle brings more to healthcare professionals than a famous waterfront, a thriving tech scene, and lots of coffee.

Whether you're in the market for full-time, part-time, contract, or per diem nursing jobs, start by learning more about what this city offers before and after a shift.

If you’re open to a commute or you want to live outside of Seattle proper, consider roles in these neighboring areas:

Fast Facts About Nursing Jobs in Seattle

Is Washington a compact state? Yes. It is the only West Coast state to join the NLC. Learn more about getting licensed in nursing compact states.
How much do nurses make in Seattle? This is a breakdown of average annual salaries in Seattle by license/certification:
- NP salary in Seattle: $155,120
- RN salary in Seattle: $126,390
- LPN salary in Seattle: $87,360
- CNA salary in Seattle: $55,220
Where can I learn more about nurse license requirements in Washington? Visit the Washington State Board of Nursing website for the latest licensure information. If you’re nearing an expiration date, learn how to renew your Washington nursing license. And if you’re interested in becoming an RN in Washington, check out our step-by-step breakdown.

What to Know About Nursing Jobs in Seattle

Seattle has a population of nearly 781,000, and it’s grown by about 6% in the last several years. This means an increased need for medical care, so you’ll find opportunities for a variety of roles, including the following:

Whom might you be caring for in nursing jobs in Seattle? The median age of residents is just over 35, with 13% of the population age 65 or older. When applying to positions, be sure to highlight your cultural competence, as this is key for these nursing jobs. Seattle, Washington, has a diverse population: Over 60% of residents are White; 17.6% are Asian; 11.6% are two or more races; 8% are Hispanic or Latino; 6.5% are Black; 0.6% are American Indian or Alaska Native, and 0.2% are Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander.

There is a wide variety of languages spoken in Seattle, including Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Somali, Tagalog, Korean, and more. Thanks to this strong multicultural community, you may want to call out any multilingual skills on your nursing resume.

Working in Seattle

Some of the key industries in Seattle are health services and life sciences, along with the green economy. If acute care work is at the top of your list of nursing jobs, Seattle, Washington, is home to some nationally known names. Check out the latest openings at hospitals, clinics, and other medical centers in the Seattle metro area, such as:

If caring for long-term patients is where you’d like to focus your career, there are plenty of post-acute care options for nursing jobs. Seattle has many nursing homes in the city alone. Plus, you might also peruse public and community health nursing jobs through King County.

Specialty Nursing Jobs in Seattle, WA

Living in Seattle

Seattle has that special combination of a lively urban environment and natural beauty. The area around Seattle contains mountains, lakes, beaches, and rainforests. On a day off, you might head to Olympic National Park on the ferry, take a hike at Mount Si, or hit the almost 12 miles of trails at Discovery Park. Seattle residents are often avid bikers, kayakers, skiers, and snowboarders.

If your idea of exercise is more of a city stroll, Pike Place Market is one of Seattle’s most famous landmarks, attracting tourists and locals alike. This city icon was founded in 1907, and as the center of the Pike Place Market Historic District, it provides shoppers with more than 220 independently owned shops and restaurants, more than 160 craftspeople, 70-plus farmers, and over 60 permitted buskers.

The food scene in Seattle is nationally known for its focus on local, sustainable foodstuffs and, of course, fresh seafood. Local favorites include everything from French bistros to Korean fusion to right-from-the-sea oysters.

If you’re looking for culture, hear the Seattle Symphony at Benaroya Hall, or the Seattle Opera and Pacific Northwest Ballet. Seattle was also the epicenter of grunge music, and was once home to superstar bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden. Now there is a diverse musical element to the city, so you can enjoy live music festivals like Bumbershoot (which includes comedy, dance, and theater), or the Capitol Hill Block Party in July, which celebrates activism along with punk, pop, and R&B.

The chance to see and enjoy art doesn’t end with music in the Emerald City. Seattle is home to four major art museums — the Frye and Seattle Art Museums, the Henry Art Gallery, and the Seattle Asian Art Museum — as well as many smaller institutions. Or just head to one of Seattle’s Arts and Cultural Districts to soak in visual arts, ethnic festivals, and even more concerts.

Credenza Is Your Source for Great Nursing Jobs

Seattle, Washington, has excellent career opportunities for nurses and healthcare professionals. Need some help getting started? Find out how we can match you with nursing jobs in your specialty area and preferred facility type.

Nursing Jobs: Seattle, Washington, Overview