Despite having a land area of only 61 square miles, Washington, DC, is home to nearly 690,000 residents. The nation’s capital has a high demand for healthcare services, which means there are plenty of full-time, part-time, contract, temporary, per diem, and travel nurse jobs jobs in DC in your desired specialty and clinical setting. Whether you’re a new graduate or have years of experience, Credenza can match you with plenty of nursing jobs in DC that can help you meet your personal and professional goals.
Quick Facts About Washington, DC, Nursing Jobs
- Does DC belong to the Nurse Licensure Compact? No. To learn more about the District’s nursing laws, rules, and regulations, check out our article on the Washington, DC, Nurse Practice Act.
- How much do nurses make in Washington, DC? The average annual salaries for nursing jobs in DC depend on your license/certification:
- NP salary in D.C.: $128,030
- RN salary in D.C.: $99,000
- LPN salary in D.C.: $67,590
- CNA salary in D.C.: $41,930
- Where can I learn more about DC requirements for nurse licenses? You can find accurate and up-to-date information on the Washington, DC, Board of Nursing website. If your credentials are expiring soon, check out our article on how to renew a DC nursing license.
What to Know When Pursuing Nursing Jobs in DC
There are more than 170 nationalities and ethnic groups represented in the Washington, DC, population, making it one of the most diverse areas of the country. Approximately 46.6% of residents are White, 44.4% are Black, 12% are Hispanic or Latino, 4.9% are Asian, 0.7% are American Indian, and 3.3% identify with two or more races.
DC’s cultural index — a measurement of the diversity of a population — is 73.2, which is 12 points higher than the national cultural index. Nearly 13.5% of DC’s population was born outside of the U.S., so you’ll need to make sure you display cultural competence when practicing as a nurse in the District.
Ready to begin your job search but not sure where to look? Start by exploring DC nursing jobs by role:
Working in Washington, DC
The nation’s capital is known for its booming workforce and entrepreneurial energy. The median age of residents in DC is 34.9, nearly 4.5 years below the national median. Additionally, at 71.4%, the DC employment rate is 11% higher than the national rate.
Over 27% of all Washington, DC, workers are employed by the federal, state, or local government. In addition to a thriving government workforce, the healthcare industry in DC is also a major employment sector, with nearly 29,000 clinical practitioners and support staff working across the District. You’ll likely have no problem finding nursing jobs in DC that meet your preferences.
If you’re looking to work in acute care, check out available positions in leading hospitals and academic medical centers in the DC metropolitan area. Prominent employers include:
You can also search for jobs directly with the District of Columbia. Because DC is home to over 42,000 retired and active duty service members, you’ll be able to find a variety of Veterans Affairs (VA) nursing jobs in facilities across the District. If it’s post-acute nursing positions you’re looking for, you can explore job opportunities in DC’s long-term care facilities.
The average commute time in Washington, DC, is 30 minutes (four minutes longer than the national average), so you’ll need to prepare to spend more time getting to work than you would in other parts of the country. The good news is that 35.4% of DC residents are able to use affordable and environmentally friendly public transportation options getting to and from their place of work.
The remaining commuters drive alone (34%) or carpool with others (5.4%). If you’re looking to work remotely, you can join the other 5.7% of D.C. residents who work from home by browsing remote nursing jobs in your area of expertise.
If you’re looking to find trustworthy childcare services in the capital area, the DC Department of Human Services makes it easy to browse vetted providers in your area. If you’re relocating with pets, you can feel comfortable knowing you’ll be able to find plenty of affordable pet sitters to care for your furry friends while you’re at work.
Living in Washington, DC
The nation’s capital is best known by tourists for its national monuments, government headquarters, and war memorials. However, what many don’t realize is that the District also has many accessible parks and wilderness areas to explore all year round.
Those who appreciate natural beauty can visit Theodore Roosevelt Island Park, the National Botanic Garden, and the C and O Canal on days off. History buffs can step back in time visiting places like Ford’s Theatre, the Library of Congress, and one of the many free Smithsonian museums located throughout the District. For those who appreciate exploring the local food scene, there are thousands of exciting restaurants, diners, and cafes to try during a lunch break or on days off.
The weather in Washington, DC, is mild and aligns with seasonal norms of its surrounding states, Virginia and Maryland. Residents can expect cold winds and high snowfall in the winter and warm, humid days in the summer. Annual temperatures range from 20 degrees in the colder months (January and February) to around 90 degrees during the summer season (July and August).
The cost of living in Washington, DC, is 51.9% higher than the national average, so you’ll want to ensure your nursing salary will cover living expenses like utilities, groceries, and transportation costs. The average home in DC costs approximately $644,900, and residents will pay around $1,940 to rent a two-bedroom apartment.
Find Your Next Nursing Job on Credenza
Ready to take the next step in your nursing career? Credenza can help connect you with nursing jobs in DC that match your skills and preferences.
