Registered Nurse Salary in Los Angeles, CA (2026)
Registered Nurses (RNs) provide patient care in hospitals, clinics, schools, and other healthcare settings.
Median Annual Salary
$138,010
in Los Angeles · BLS OEWS
Real Purchasing Power
$120,271
adjusted for local cost of living
National Rank
#11
among cities with BLS data
Registered Nurses in Los Angeles
The median annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Los Angeles, CA is $138,010 per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. This works out to approximately $11,501/month or $66/hour.
Compared to the median across all surveyed cities ($96,980), Los Angeles pays 42% more than the typical city.
Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 114.7 (US average = 100), so higher local costs reduce your real purchasing power. In inflation-adjusted terms, $138,010 in Los Angeles is equivalent to $120,271 in a city at the US average cost of living.
BLS wage data is collected at the metropolitan statistical area (MSA) level, so this figure represents the Los Angeles metro area, not just the city itself.
Top 10 Cities for Registered Nurses by Salary
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Berkeley, CA | $178,450 |
| 2 | San Francisco, CA | $178,450 |
| 3 | Oakland, CA | $178,450 |
| 4 | Sacramento, CA | $163,020 |
| 5 | Folsom, CA | $163,020 |
| 6 | Roseville, CA | $163,020 |
| 7 | Carlsbad, CA | $139,350 |
| 8 | San Diego, CA | $139,350 |
| 9 | Chula Vista, CA | $139,350 |
| 10 | Anaheim, CA | $138,010 |
Source: BLS OEWS · Metro-level data
Other Occupations in Los Angeles
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | $157,390 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $97,460 |
| Electrician | $81,940 |
| Accountant | $100,770 |
Full cost of living profile for Los Angeles
See median rent, home values, cost of living index, air quality, and more for Los Angeles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Registered Nurse salary in Los Angeles?
The median annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Los Angeles, CA is $138,010 per year, according to BLS OEWS data.
How does Los Angeles Registered Nurse pay compare nationally?
Los Angeles Registered Nurse pay ($138,010) is 42% above the median across surveyed cities ($96,980).
Does cost of living affect Registered Nurse salaries in Los Angeles?
Yes. Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 114.7 (US average = 100). After adjusting for local prices, a $138,010 salary in Los Angeles has the purchasing power of approximately $120,271 in an average-cost city.
Data last updated: June 1, 2026 · Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) · Methodology