Entry-Level Registered Nurse Salary in Bremerton, WA: $88,713 (2026)
Quick Answer:New registered nurses entering the Bremerton, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $88,713 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1141, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bremerton's local price level (BEA RPP 105.6 — 6% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $84,003 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($112,913) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In Bremerton, WA, the starting registered nurse salary for new graduates is projected to be around $88,713 in 2026. This initial wage represents the lower end of the salary range for entry-level positions within the city, notably below the median annual salary of $112,913. However, new nurses can expect a growth trajectory over the first few years, as entry-level salaries typically progress from the 10th percentile to the 25th percentile, reaching approximately $106,468 as they gain experience and skills. Given the increasing demand for healthcare professionals and a robust market for nursing in Bremerton, this is a favorable environment for new graduates. With a projected annual growth rate of 5.31%, the job outlook for entry-level nurses remains encouraging in this vibrant community.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bremerton
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bremerton
Entry-level registered nurses in Bremerton, WA typically start between $88,713 and $106,468 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $77,540 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $112,913 — 9.91% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Washington of $65,000 represents just 73.27% of the starting registered nurse pay ($88,713/year) in Bremerton. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACEN- and CCNE-accredited nursing programs and state board of nursing data. Tuition varies significantly between community college ADN, public university BSN, and private university BSN pathways.
RN Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Bremerton
- 1Research the Bremerton market: entry-level registered nurse pay ranges from $88,713 to $106,468, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the nursing field — employers in WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Bremerton, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Bremerton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bremerton's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Registered Nurse Compensation Range
The registered nurse wage spread in Bremerton is $77,540 ( 87.41%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $88,713, experienced hygienists can earn up to $166,253.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$60,230
2025 BLS Actual
$84,240
2026 Current Est.
$88,713
2019–2027 Growth
+55.1%
Salary Trajectory for Registered Nurses in Bremerton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.31% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,230 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,670 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,390 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,680 | Actual |
| 2023 | $81,360 | Actual |
| 2024 | $84,390 | Actual |
| 2025 | $84,240 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $88,713 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $93,424 | Projected |
Entry-level registered nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Bremerton, WA grew 39.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $60,230 in 2019 to $84,240 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $93,424. New graduates entering the Bremerton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bremerton metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.31% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your nursing Career in Bremerton
Employers in Bremerton typically look for new graduates to join their teams at major regional facilities, including large hospitals that offer structured new-grad residency programs. These programs often provide a year-long rotation through different units such as the Intensive Care Unit and the Emergency Department, which help to fast-track skill acquisition for first-time nurses. Community hospitals are also notable for hiring new RNs, offering cross-training initiatives that enhance employability. To maximize entry-level pay, new grads should focus on obtaining an active RN license, alongside a relevant diploma (ASN or BSN). Additionally, pursuing specialty certifications, such as those from the American Nurses Credentialing Center or related bodies, can significantly enhance earning potential over time. With salary growth expectations based on time in the field, early-career nurses in Bremerton are well-positioned for financial advancement, especially if they tap into shift differentials and explore opportunities in travel nursing, which continues to be desirable in high-cost-of-living markets.
More salary data for Bremerton, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new nursing graduates. A 5.31% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Bremerton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.31%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for registered nurses (SOC 29-1141).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov