Registered Nurse Jobs in Los Angeles, CA

Los Angeles, California$132,800 USD/yearFull-timeTech Hub
Updated: April 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About Registered Nurse Jobs in Los Angeles

Looking for a Registered Nurse job in Los Angeles? You're in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know about working as a Registered Nurse in Los Angeles, CA.

We'll show you what you can expect to earn. We'll also share which companies are hiring. Plus, you'll learn about the cost of living and how to get started in your job search.

Los Angeles has a strong job market for Registered Nurses. Many employers are actively looking for talent. Read on to learn how to land your next role.

Registered Nurse Salary in Los Angeles

Entry Level
$84,660
Median
$132,800
Senior Level
$190,900

Registered Nurse salaries in Los Angeles are 66% above the national average, reflecting the high cost of living.

Purchasing power in Los Angeles is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

Patient CareClinical SkillsDocumentationCritical ThinkingCommunication

Registered Nurse Job Market in Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA is one of America's premier job markets for Registered Nurse professionals. With a population of 4.0 million, the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim metro area offers diverse opportunities across multiple industries. The city's strong Entertainment and Technology sectors create robust demand for Registered Nurse talent. The market for Registered Nurse positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Registered Nurses in Los Angeles

Cedars-SinaiUCLA HealthKaiser PermanenteProvidenceKeck Medicine of USC

Major employers hiring Registered Nurses in Los Angeles include Cedars-Sinai, UCLA Health, Kaiser Permanente, Providence, and Keck Medicine of USC. With major hospital systems and research institutions, Los Angeles offers excellent opportunities for healthcare professionals at all career stages. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Registered Nurses in Los Angeles

Living in Los Angeles as a Registered Nurse means navigating a cost of living that's significantly above the national average (166% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $2,600/month (44% above the national average of $1,800). At median Registered Nurse salary, housing is quite affordable at 23% of gross income, leaving room for savings and lifestyle spending. Suburban apartments average $2,000/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

166
Cost Index (100=avg)
$2.6K
Avg Rent/Month
Yes
Tech Hub
Tier 1
Market Size

Commuting as a Registered Nurse in Los Angeles

Los Angeles Expanding Metro Rail system, extensive bus network, but car-centric. The average commute time is 31 minutes. Metro Rail is expanding but doesn't reach everywhere yet. Living near your workplace drastically improves quality of life.

Best neighborhoods for Registered Nurses in Los Angeles: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Registered Nurse professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in California

California has relatively high state income taxes. A Registered Nurse earning $132,800 might pay approximately $10,624 in state income tax. However, California's strong job market and quality of life often offset the higher tax burden.

Career Outlook for Registered Nurses

The job outlook for Registered Nurses in Los Angeles is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. As a Tier 1 market, Los Angeles typically has more openings but also more competition from experienced professionals. In-demand skills include Patient Care, Clinical Skills, Documentation, Critical Thinking.

Relocating to Los Angeles

Los Angeles has a very high cost of living. Many Registered Nurses negotiate relocation packages or sign-on bonuses to offset moving costs. California has higher state income taxes. Factor this into salary negotiations, as gross salary comparisons can be misleading.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Registered Nurse salary in Los Angeles, CA?

The average Registered Nurse salary in Los Angeles, CA is $132,800 per year. Entry-level Registered Nurses typically start around $84,660, while experienced professionals can earn $190,900 or more. The national average for Registered Nurse roles is $80,000.

How many Registered Nurse jobs are available in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles has a robust job market with hundreds of openings for Registered Nurse professionals. Major employers hiring Registered Nurses include Cedars-Sinai, UCLA Health, Kaiser Permanente, Providence. The Entertainment and Technology sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Los Angeles a good city for Registered Nurses?

Los Angeles is an excellent choice for Registered Nurses. As a major metro area, it offers abundant opportunities and competitive salaries. However, be aware of the higher cost of living when evaluating offers. The city's entertainment industry creates strong demand for healthcare professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Registered Nurses in Los Angeles?

Top skills for Registered Nurses in Los Angeles include Patient Care, Clinical Skills, Documentation, Critical Thinking, Communication. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Registered Nurses in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles's cost of living is significantly above the national average (166% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $2,600/month. Purchasing power in Los Angeles is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Registered Nurses in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles Expanding Metro Rail system, extensive bus network, but car-centric. The average commute is 31 minutes. Metro Rail is expanding but doesn't reach everywhere yet.

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