Los Angeles vs Norwalk: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Norwalk, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Norwalk, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $142,758▲ | $140,859 |
| Hourly Rate | $68.64▲ | $67.72 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $106,342▲ | $99,691 |
| 25th Percentile | $118,021▲ | $112,448 |
| 75th Percentile | $176,710▲ | $163,933 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $183,450 | $201,014▲ |
| Total Employed | 109,360▲ | 22 |
Verdict
Los Angeles, CA offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Norwalk.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and Norwalk is $1,899 (1.35%). 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 Los Angeles spans $77,108,Norwalk spans $101,323. Norwalk has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced registered nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Los Angeles ($125,705 effective) pays 0.93% more than Norwalk ($124,544 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Norwalk if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($201,014)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Los Angeles grew 27.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -13.0% growth in Norwalk over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$105,950 (2019) → $135,560 (2025)
Norwalk, CA
$153,811 (2024) → $133,757 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Norwalk, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Los Angeles or Norwalk?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Norwalk?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to Norwalk as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Los Angeles vs Norwalk?
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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