Registered Nurse in Federal Way, WA

Of course. Here is a comprehensive career guide for Registered Nurses considering a move to Federal Way, Washington, written from the perspective of a local career analyst.

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The Salary Picture: Where Federal Way Stands

As a long-time resident and career analyst in the South King County area, I can tell you that the nursing salary landscape here is more nuanced than a single number suggests. Federal Way isn't your typical isolated suburban town; it's a major transportation and commercial hub that influences wages for the entire region. The median salary for a Registered Nurse here is $89,426/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $42.99/hour. This is notably higher than the national average of $86,070/year, a direct reflection of Washington's strong labor market and the high cost of living.

However, your actual earning potential will vary significantly based on experience, specialty, and the type of facility you choose. Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect as you progress in your career within the Federal Way area:

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range (Federal Way)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$75,000 - $85,000
Mid-Career	3-9 years	$85,000 - $105,000
Senior	10-19 years	$105,000 - $120,000
Expert/Specialized	20+ years	$120,000+

These ranges are averages. A new grad in a Med-Surg unit at a community hospital will start lower, while an experienced nurse in the ICU or Cath Lab at a major medical center will command a higher salary. The key is that Federal Way's proximity to major Seattle and Tacoma healthcare systems creates a competitive labor market that often pushes wages upward.

Insider Tip: When you're negotiating your first job offer, ask about shift differentials. Working evenings, nights, and weekends at most local hospitals (like St. Francis or MultiCare) can add $5.00 to $8.00 per hour to your base rate, significantly boosting your annual income.

Comparison to Other WA Cities

Federal Way isn't the highest-paying city in Washington—that title often goes to Seattle and its immediate suburbs—but it offers a strong balance. Nurses in Seattle proper might earn 5-10% more, but that is almost entirely consumed by higher rents and a higher state and local tax burden. Tacoma, just to the south, is very competitive with Federal Way's wages, but the job market is smaller. Here’s how we stack up:

• Seattle: Higher salaries (often $95,000 - $105,000 median), but cost of living is 25-30% above the national average.
• Tacoma: Very similar salary to Federal Way ($88,000 - $92,000 median), but with a slightly smaller job market (fewer major hospitals).
• Spokane: Lower salary ($78,000 - $82,000 median) and a significantly lower cost of living.
• Bellingham: Similar salary to Federal Way, but with a smaller job market and a different lifestyle.

For a nurse who wants access to the diverse career opportunities of the Puget Sound region without being priced out of housing, Federal Way is often a strategic sweet spot.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get down to brass tacks. A median salary looks great on paper, but what does it mean for your monthly budget in Federal Way? Using the median RN salary of $89,426/year, here’s a realistic breakdown for a single person.

Assumptions:

• Filing as Single, taking Standard Deduction (for 2023/2024).
• Washington State has no state income tax. Federal taxes only.
• Federal Way's average 1BR rent is $1,864/month.
• This estimate includes FICA (Social Security & Medicare), but not 401k/retirement contributions or health insurance premiums, which vary by employer.

Category	Monthly Estimate	Annual Total
Gross Pay	$7,452	$89,426
Federal Taxes (est.)	$1,250	$15,000
FICA (7.65%)	$570	$6,840
Net Take-Home Pay	$5,632	$67,586
Rent (1BR Avg)	$1,864	$22,368
Remaining for All Else	$3,768	$45,218

After housing and taxes, you have about $3,768 per month for utilities, groceries, transportation, insurance, savings, and entertainment. This is manageable, but it requires a disciplined budget. The high cost of living (index of 113.0) means a trip to the grocery store or filling your gas tank will feel more expensive than in most parts of the country.

Insider Tip: The rent figure of $1,864 is an average. You can find 1BR apartments in the north side (near I-5) for closer to $1,600, while new luxury buildings in The Commons or near the Dash Point area can push $2,200+. Your choice of neighborhood will dramatically impact your budget.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

This is the big question. The median home price in Federal Way is currently around $575,000. To afford that with a standard 20% down payment ($115,000), you'd need significant savings. With a $460,000 mortgage at current interest rates (around 7%), your monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) would be roughly $3,800 - $4,100.

Compared to our take-home pay of $5,632/month, that's 67-73% of your income—well above the recommended 30%. For a single RN earning the median salary, buying a home alone in Federal Way is a significant financial stretch. It becomes more feasible with a dual-income household, a larger down payment (e.g., VA loan for veterans), or by looking at condos/townhouses in the $350,000 - $450,000 range, which are available but competitive.

Where the Jobs Are: Federal Way's Major Employers

Federal Way is strategically located between Seattle and Tacoma, giving you access to a wide range of employers. While the city itself has key hospitals, many nurses live in Federal Way and commute to nearby world-class medical centers.

1. St. Francis Hospital (Franciscan Health): Located in nearby Federal Way, this is the city's primary hospital. It's a Level III Trauma Center and a major employer. They offer a wide range of specialties, from cardiac care to orthopedics. Hiring trends are stable, with consistent openings for Med-Surg, ER, and ICU nurses. Being part of the larger CHI Franciscan system can offer internal mobility.
2. MultiCare Auburn Medical Center: A short drive south, MultiCare is a dominant system in South King County. Auburn Medical is a Level II Trauma Center with a busy ER and a growing surgical services department. MultiCare is known for its robust clinical ladder program, which rewards experience and education with higher pay.
3. Valley Medical Center (Renton): About a 20-minute north drive, this is a major public hospital and Level II Trauma Center serving the entire south end of the county. It's a public entity, which can offer excellent benefits and job security. They have a strong focus on community health and often have unique public health nursing roles.
4. UW Medicine / Harborview Medical Center (Seattle): A 30-40 minute commute (traffic-dependent), but it's the region's only Level I Adult and Pediatric Trauma center. For nurses seeking the absolute cutting edge of critical care, trauma, and burn units, this is the pinnacle. The commute is tough, but the experience is unparalleled.
5. Kindred Hospital Seattle (Federal Way): A long-term acute care (LTAC) hospital located right in Federal Way. This is a fantastic place for nurses who want to develop deep expertise in managing complex, chronically ill patients. It's a different pace from a standard hospital but offers specialized skills.
6. Kaiser Permanente (Federal Way Medical Center): This is a massive outpatient clinic and urgent care center. A great option for nurses who want a consistent Monday-Friday schedule, no weekends/holidays, and a focus on primary and preventive care. It's a completely different work environment than a hospital.

Insider Tip: The South King County region is actively investing in healthcare infrastructure. Keep an eye on new developments and expansions at MultiCare and Valley Medical, as they are the most likely sources of new nursing jobs in the coming years.

Getting Licensed in WA

Washington State has a straightforward but mandatory process managed by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH). If you're already an RN with a license from another state, you'll be applying for "Licensure by Endorsement."

1. Verify Your License: Your current license must be in good standing. You'll need to request verification from the original state's board of nursing (often sent directly to WA DOH).
2. Submit the Application: File online through the DOH's secure portal. The application fee is $125.
3. Federal Background Check: You must complete a fingerprint-based criminal history background check. This involves a $13.25 fee to the DOH and an additional fee (around $50-$70) to a third-party vendor for fingerprinting. This is a crucial step and can take a few weeks to process.
4. WA-Specific Education: All applicants must complete a 7-hour course on Washington State-specific laws and rules. This is an online course and costs about $50-$75. It must be completed before your license is issued.
5. Compact State? Washington is NOT part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). This means you cannot simply use a multi-state license. You must obtain a separate Washington license to practice here.

Timeline: From start to finish, the endorsement process can take 6 to 12 weeks. Start the process at least 3 months before your planned move. The total cost for the application, background check, and required course is roughly $250-$300.

Insider Tip: The DOH website can be dense. If you hit a snag, call their nursing division directly. They are generally helpful. Also, most hospitals will not let you start orientation without your permanent Washington license in hand, so don't delay.

Best Neighborhoods for Registered Nurses

Choosing where to live in Federal Way depends on your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here are the top 4-5 neighborhoods nurses tend to favor.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Best For...
North Federal Way / I-5 Corridor	Urban, convenient, walkable to some shops. Easy access to I-5 for commuting to Seattle or SeaTac.	$1,600 - $1,900	Nurses who commute north or to the airport. Quick access to St. Francis.
The Commons / City Center	The "downtown" of Federal Way. Modern apartments, the Community & Events Center, near the light rail station (future).	$1,800 - $2,200	Those who want a walkable, urban lifestyle with minimal car use for errands.
Dash Point / Woodmont Beach	Quiet, residential, with beautiful views of Puget Sound. Farther from I-5, so a longer commute.	$1,700 - $2,100	Nurses seeking a peaceful, scenic setting who don't mind a 10-minute longer drive.
South Federal Way / Auburn Border	More affordable, suburban feel. Closer to MultiCare Auburn.	$1,450 - $1,750	Budget-conscious nurses or those planning to work primarily at Auburn Medical.
Lakeview / Twin Lakes	Family-oriented, with several small lakes. Good schools, more single-family homes than apartments.	$1,750 - $2,000	Nurses with families or those who prefer a quiet, established suburban neighborhood.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-5 is notoriously bad. If you land a job at St. Francis, living north of the hospital (near I-5 and 320th St) will make your commute much easier. If you're heading to MultiCare Auburn, the southern neighborhoods are ideal. Always test your commute during rush hour before signing a lease.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Staying in Federal Way offers a solid long-term career trajectory. The 10-year job growth projection for RNs in the metro area is 6%, which is steady and indicates sustained demand.

Specialty Premiums: To maximize your earnings, consider specializing. In our region, the following specialties typically command a premium over the base Med-Surg rate:

• ICU / Critical Care: +$5 to +$8/hour
• Emergency Department (ER): +$4 to +$7/hour
• Labor & Delivery / NICU: +$3 to +$6/hour
• OR / Perioperative: +$4 to +$7/hour
• Home Health / Hospice: Can be variable, but often includes mileage reimbursement and autonomy.

Advancement Paths: Beyond bedside nursing, Federal Way's location provides access to diverse roles:

• Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL): A master's-prepared role focused on unit-level quality and safety.
• Nurse Practitioner (NP) / Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS): Requires a Master's or DNP. The region has many excellent graduate programs (UW, SeattleU, Gonzaga).
• Nurse Educator: Both hospital systems and local colleges (Green River College, Highline College) hire nurse educators.
• Case Management / Utilization Review: Often a M-F role with no direct patient care, focusing on coordination of services. Many of these jobs are now remote/hybrid.

Insider Tip: Get your BSN if you don't have it already. Most major hospitals in the area strongly prefer or require a BSN for new hires. Many offer tuition reimbursement to help you get it. Pursuing a specialty certification (like CCRN for critical care) is a surefire way to increase your value and salary.

The Verdict: Is Federal Way Right for You?

Deciding to move is a big choice. Here’s a candid look at the pros and cons of building your nursing career in Federal Way.

Pros	Cons
Strong, competitive salaries above the national average.	High cost of living, especially housing and transportation.
No state income tax, which boosts your take-home pay.	Traffic congestion on I-5 is a major daily frustration.
Proximity to diverse employers (hospitals, clinics, LTACs).	"Rainy season" from October to April can be a tough adjustment.
Access to world-class healthcare systems for career growth.	The city itself lacks a single, cohesive "downtown" feel.
Strategic location between Seattle and Tacoma.	Home ownership is challenging on a single RN income.
Outdoor recreation (Puget Sound, Mt. Rainier) is minutes away.	Homelessness is a visible issue, particularly near major transit hubs.

Final Recommendation:

Federal Way is an excellent choice for the pragmatic, career-focused nurse. If your priority is maximizing your salary-to-cost-of-living ratio while staying in a major metropolitan area, it's a very strong contender. It's ideal for nurses who are ambitious about specialty growth, value access to top-tier medical centers, and are willing to budget carefully to enjoy the benefits of living in the Pacific Northwest.

It may not be the right fit for someone seeking a quiet, small-town feel or who is unwilling to navigate the realities of traffic and high housing costs. For the right person, however, Federal Way offers a balanced platform for a thriving and financially stable nursing career.

FAQs

1. Do I need to work night shift to make a good salary here?
Not at all. The median salary of $89,426 is achievable on day shift. However, working nights or weekends can significantly boost your income, often by $10,000-$15,000/year. It's a personal choice based on your lifestyle and sleep preferences.

2. Is it safe to live in Federal Way?
Like any suburban city adjacent to a major metro area, safety varies by neighborhood. North Federal Way, The Commons, and the Woodmont/Dash Point areas are generally considered very safe. It's always wise to check local crime maps and visit areas you're considering before renting.

3. How competitive is the job market for new grad RNs?
The job market is competitive, but not impenetrable. Larger hospitals have structured new grad residency programs, which are highly sought after. To stand out, get your BSN, gain relevant experience (like as a tech or CNA), and network with nurses on units you're interested in. Applying to multiple systems is key.

4. Will my out-of-state experience be valued?
Absolutely. Hospitals in this region are desperate for experienced nurses. Your out-of-state experience, especially in a high-acuity specialty, is a major asset