Registered Nurses Salary in Los Angeles, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA

Median annual salary $133,440 +42.6% vs national
Median hourly $64.16
10th percentile $99,530
90th percentile $172,740
Employed locally 107,340
National median $93,600

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Registered Nurses
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    In Los Angeles, California, registered nurses earn a median annual salary of $133,440, which is significantly higher than the national median of $93,600 for this occupation. This reflects the high cost of living and demand for healthcare services in the area. When compared to the local median household income of $93,525, it's evident that registered nurses are among the more well-compensated professionals within the community. The earnings for registered nurses exceed typical household incomes by a substantial margin, highlighting their critical role in the region’s healthcare infrastructure and the value placed on their expertise.

    Entry-level registered nurses in Los Angeles generally earn closer to the 10th percentile of $99,530 annually, while those with more experience can expect salaries nearing or surpassing the 75th percentile at $165,290 per year. This disparity is driven by several factors, including years of service, specialization within nursing (such as critical care or neonatal), and additional certifications that enhance a nurse's qualifications and responsibilities. Experienced nurses often take on leadership roles, manage teams, or engage in specialized clinical practices, which significantly contributes to their higher earnings compared to those just entering the field.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $99,530
    25th
    $108,150
    50th (median)
    $133,440
    75th
    $165,290
    90th
    $172,740

    Los Angeles economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.40% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $93,525 2023 • Census ACS
    Registered Nurses salary vs area income 143% Median Registered Nurses salary is 43% above the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Registered Nurses make per hour in Los Angeles?

    The median hourly wage for Registered Nurses in Los Angeles, CA is $64.16, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $83.75 or more per hour.

    Is Los Angeles above or below average for Registered Nurses salaries?

    The median Registered Nurses salary in Los Angeles, CA is 42.6% above the national median of $93,600. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Registered Nurses in Los Angeles?

    Entry-level Registered Nurses (10th percentile) earn around $99,530 per year in Los Angeles, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $108,150.