Lake Forest vs Los Angeles: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Lake Forest, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lake Forest, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $139,318 | $142,758▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $66.98 | $68.64▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $102,122 | $106,342▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $113,809 | $118,021▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $161,919 | $176,710▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $197,746▲ | $183,450 |
| Total Employed | 14 | 109,360▲ |
Verdict
Los Angeles, CA offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lake Forest.
The salary gap between Lake Forest and Los Angeles is $3,440 (2.47%). Los Angeles's median is +38.96% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lake Forest spans $95,624,Los Angeles spans $77,108. Lake Forest has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Los Angeles ($125,705 effective) pays 2.05% more than Lake Forest ($123,181 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lake Forest if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($197,746)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($142,758/year)
- ✓Larger job market (109,360 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $125,705)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Lake Forest grew -13.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 27.9% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Lake Forest, CA
$152,127 (2024) → $132,293 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$105,950 (2019) → $135,560 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lake Forest, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Lake Forest or Los Angeles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lake Forest and Los Angeles?
Should I relocate from Lake Forest to Los Angeles as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Lake Forest vs Los Angeles?
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Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov