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Registered Nurse Salary in Los Angeles, CA

How much does a registered nurse make in Los Angeles? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Los Angeles's cost of living.

Median Salary
$133,440
per year in Los Angeles
Entry Level
$94,577
Starting salary
Senior Level
$185,716
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
166
66% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how registered nurse salaries break down across different pay periods in Los Angeles.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$94,577$133,440$185,716
Monthly$7,881$11,120$15,476
Biweekly$3,638$5,132$7,143
Weekly$1,819$2,566$3,571
Hourly$45$64$89

Los Angeles vs National Average

How Los Angeles's registered nurse salaries compare to national figures.

Los Angeles Salary
$133,440
COL Index: 166
National Average
$83,440
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$50,000
Higher in Los Angeles

Cost of Living in Los Angeles

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,500
per month
Median Income
$65,290
per year
Population
3,979,576
residents
Rent % of Income
45.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 166 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Los Angeles have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Registered Nurse

Overview

Provide patient care and coordinate treatment in hospitals and clinical settings.

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Nursing; RN license required

Key Skills

Patient CareMedical KnowledgeCommunicationClinical Assessment

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +16% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Registered Nurse Salary

See Registered Nurse salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$113,490
-15%
Chicago, IL
$96,480
-28%
Houston, TX
$97,810
-27%
Phoenix, AZ
$98,160
-26%
Philadelphia, PA
$99,210
-26%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a registered nurse salary in Los Angeles.

Salary Breakdown Calculator

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Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Los Angeles.

Budget Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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Registered Nurse Salary in Los Angeles, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a registered nurse in Los Angeles, CA is $133,440 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 166. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Los Angeles's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level registered nurse professionals in Los Angeles can expect to earn around $94,577 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level registered nurses earning approximately $185,716 per year. This represents a 96% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Los Angeles's cost of living index of 166 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Los Angeles are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $83,440, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a registered nurse's salary in Los Angeles typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,500 per month, housing represents about 22.5% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Registered Nurses are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 16% over the next decade. In Los Angeles, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.