Los Angeles, California RN Salary
The median nurse salary in Los Angeles, California is $98,346 as of 2023. The national pay ranges from the highest 10% of RNs making $161,627 and the lowest 10% making $16,701. Our salary data for Registered Nurses is consolidated from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and ZipRecruiter salary data.
Registered Nurses (RNs) deliver hands-on patient care by assessing health conditions and working closely with healthcare teams to create and implement treatment plans. They are responsible for administering medications, conducting diagnostic tests, monitoring patient progress, and educating both patients and their families on various health matters. Additionally, RNs assist in medical procedures, advocate for their patients' well-being, and ensure that all healthcare standards and safety protocols are properly maintained.
How Much Do RNs Make Per Hour in Los Angeles?
The median wage for Registered Nurses in Los Angeles, CA is $47 per hour in the US according to ZipRecruiter salary data.
What does a Registered Nurse do?
Registered Nurses (RNs) are typically the initial healthcare professionals patients encounter. They perform initial health assessments, monitor vital signs, and regularly evaluate the patient’s condition throughout their care. RNs administer medications, perform necessary treatments, and provide education on managing health conditions, ensuring that patients remain comfortable and well-informed during their stay.
In addition to clinical responsibilities, RNs manage administrative tasks such as maintaining accurate patient records, adhering to treatment plans, and ensuring compliance with healthcare standards and safety protocols. Acting as patient advocates, they ensure that individual needs, preferences, and rights are respected throughout the treatment process.
Want to learn more about the duties of Registered Nurses? Read our full article here.
Highest paying nursing agencies for RNs in Los Angeles
How to increase your salary as an RN in Los Angeles, CA
1. Pursue Advanced Education
Earning an advanced degree is one of the most direct ways to significantly increase your salary. By obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), or even a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), you can qualify for higher-paying positions. Hospitals in Los Angeles, such as Cedars-Sinai and UCLA Health, often prefer nurses with a BSN or higher due to the complexity of care and leadership roles available.
2. Obtain Specialty Certifications
Specialty certifications allow you to work in high-demand areas of nursing, which can result in increased pay. Certifications such as:
- Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN)
- Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN)
- Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR)
- Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)
3. Move into Leadership or Administrative Roles
Travel nursing is an excellent option for RNs looking to increase their income while gaining experience in different healthcare environments. Los Angeles is a hotspot for travel nurses, with hospitals often offering short-term contracts at significantly higher pay due to high demand. Travel nurses in LA can also benefit from housing stipends and travel allowances, making this a lucrative option.
Similarly, per diem nursing offers the flexibility to work as needed, often at a higher hourly rate. Many hospitals and healthcare facilities in Los Angeles hire per diem nurses to fill staffing gaps, particularly during high-demand periods.
4. Work Overtime or Pick Up Extra Shifts
Hospitals and healthcare facilities in Los Angeles often offer overtime pay or shift differentials for working nights, weekends, or holidays. RNs willing to take on these shifts can significantly increase their annual income. Facilities like Keck Medicine of USC and Kaiser Permanente offer competitive pay for extra shifts, making this an attractive option for nurses who want to maximize their earnings.
5. Explore Travel Nursing or Per Diem Work
Transitioning into leadership positions can greatly increase your salary. Roles such as Nurse Manager, Director of Nursing, or Clinical Supervisor come with added responsibilities and significantly higher pay. These positions may require additional education or certifications, but they offer the opportunity to manage teams, influence policy, and enhance your earning potential.
Los Angeles hospitals often provide internal leadership development programs to help RNs transition into management roles, so it’s worth exploring these opportunities if you have an interest in moving up the career ladder.
6. Negotiate Your Salary
Salary negotiation is an essential tool for increasing your income. Whether you're starting a new job or seeking a raise in your current position, don't hesitate to negotiate. Research the average salary for RNs in Los Angeles and use your experience, certifications, and performance as leverage.
Many hospitals, particularly large institutions like Cedars-Sinai or Providence Health, are open to salary negotiations, especially if you bring specialized skills or extensive experience to the table. Be prepared to discuss your value, including performance metrics and patient outcomes, to strengthen your case.
7. Relocate to Higher-Paying Areas
Even within Los Angeles, salaries can vary significantly based on the location and healthcare setting. RNs working in prestigious hospitals or in higher-demand neighborhoods may command higher salaries. Hospitals in affluent areas such as Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, or the Westside often offer more competitive salaries compared to facilities in less populated regions of LA.
Additionally, consider positions in underserved areas or rural clinics, as they often offer higher pay or bonuses to attract qualified nurses to meet local healthcare needs.