In Los Angeles, CA, Registered Nurses earn a median of $129,000 a year — about 37% above the U.S. median of $94,480. Among the 50 metros tracked here for this role, that ranks #8.
What that pay is worth in Los Angeles
Local prices run 114 on the BEA cost-of-living index (U.S. = 100), so a $121,440 salary buys less than it looks — about $106,933 in national-average buying power.
Can Registered Nurses afford a home in Los Angeles?
A typical Los Angeles home runs about $879,500 — 7.2 times the average Registered Nurse salary, a stretch against the classic 3x rule of thumb. Median rent near $1,879/mo takes roughly 19% of gross pay — within the 30% comfort line.
The Registered Nurse pay ladder in Los Angeles
Entry-level (10th percentile) Registered Nurses earn about $43,050; the top 10% reach $170,140 — a $127,090 spread, wide for this field. Most of that gap comes down to experience, employer, and how hard you negotiate.
The Registered Nurse job market in Los Angeles
Los Angeles employs roughly 123,940 Registered Nurses. It’s a sizable local market to build a career in.
Compare Los Angeles with other cities
See the full Registered Nurse salary by city ranking to weigh Los Angeles against the other metros on both pay and cost-adjusted value, or use the cost-of-living calculator to compare any two cities directly.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Registered Nurses make in Los Angeles?
The average Registered Nurse in Los Angeles, CA earns about $121,440 per year, 28.5% above the national average of $94,480.
What is the take-home pay for Registered Nurses in Los Angeles after taxes?
After federal and CA taxes, this $121,440 salary is worth about $87,045 a year - roughly $7,253 a month in take-home pay, an effective tax rate near 28%.
What do the highest-paid Registered Nurses earn in Los Angeles?
The top 10% of Registered Nurses in Los Angeles earn about $170,140 a year, versus about $43,050 for the bottom 10%.
Can Registered Nurses afford a home in Los Angeles?
A typical Los Angeles home runs about $879,500 - roughly 7.2x this salary, a stretch by the 3x rule, so budgeting discipline matters.