Registered Nurse Hourly Pay in Westminster, CA: $68.96 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a registered nurse working in Westminster, CA runs $68.96 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $143,431 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1141). Weighted against Westminster's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $60.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $86,058 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Westminster, California, registered nurse hourly pay is quite competitive, with a median rate of $68.96/hr in 2026, notably surpassing the national median of $49.39/hr. This elevated pay level reflects the demands placed on nurses working across various healthcare settings, such as hospital floors, ICUs, emergency departments, and outpatient clinics. With an hourly range from approximately $48.26 for entry-level positions to $97.54 for experienced professionals, registered nurses have opportunities to enhance their earnings through part-time work or per-diem arrangements. For those seeking a flexible schedule, working 24 hours per week could yield a significant weekly income, which supports the financial needs of many nurses balancing personal commitments while engaging in their careers.
About the Westminster Market
Salary estimated from California average ($137,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Registered Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48.26 | $386.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56.13 | $449.04 |
| Median (P50) | $68.96 | $551.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79.94 | $639.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97.54 | $780.30 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Westminster
Based on $68.96/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $68.96/hr, a registered nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Westminster, CA can expect to earn approximately $143,431 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $82,748. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Westminster.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Westminster
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,758.28 | $11,953 | $143,431 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,654.97 | $7,172 | $86,058 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,103.31 | $4,781 | $57,372 |
Compare RN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (Westminster) | $68.96 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (National Avg) | $29.34 |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) (National Avg) | $18.60 |
| Nurse Practitioner (National Avg) | $63.50 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $19.70 |
Registered Nurses in Westminster, CA earn a median of $143,431 per year (2026 est.), which is 39.62% higher than the national median of $102,730 and 1.10% above the California state average of $141,871.
Registered Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $68.96/hr = $86,058/year (purchasing power: $76,090).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $143,431/year (purchasing power: $126,817).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$49.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$65.48/hr
2026 Current Est.
$68.96/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+47.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Registered Nurses in Westminster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.31% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49.20/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $50.56/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $52.09/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $54.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $57.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $75.30/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $65.48/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68.96/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for registered nurses in Westminster grew 33.1% from $49.20/hr (2019) to $65.48/hr (2025). At a 5.31% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $72.62/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem registered nurses can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Westminster metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.31% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Registered Nurse in Westminster
When considering part-time options, a registered nurse working three days a week can take home an annual income that is noticeably lower than their full-time counterparts, yet still substantial, thanks to the appealing hourly rate. Per diem registered nurse pay in Westminster often falls in the range of $50-$80/hr depending on specialty, while travel nurse contracts have become increasingly lucrative, sometimes offering weekly pay between $2,000-$4,500, particularly in crisis situations within critical care areas. The pay structure can vary widely based on the employer type, with different rates offered in acute care hospitals, specialty surgical centers, and home health agencies. Many nurses face the trade-off between higher hourly rates without benefits and lower rates that include essential health insurance options. For those in hourly positions, negotiating for shift differentials and specialty certifications can play a significant role in maximizing income in Westminster's competitive healthcare market.
More salary data for Westminster, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for registered nurses in Westminster in 2026?
How much do part-time registered nurses make in Westminster?
Are registered nurses in Westminster paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time registered nurse make per year in Westminster?
Do registered nurses earn more per hour working part-time in Westminster?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.31% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for registered nurses in Westminster. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Westminster is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.31%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for registered nurses (SOC 29-1141).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov