HealthcareOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Registered Nurse Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$169,638/yr
Typical range: $158,982 – $187,344
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Registered Nurse salary by experience level in Los Angeles
Registered Nurse Salary Progression in Los Angeles
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $92,771 | $7,731 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $113,976 | $9,498 | +23% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $126,345 | $10,529 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $139,952 | $11,663 | +51% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $169,638 | $14,137 | +83% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $195,084 | $16,257 | +110% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $201,446 | $16,787 | +117% |
Current Salary
$169,638
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $82/hr
Next Level Target
$195,084
Principal · 14
+$25Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
42/100
Below Average
+6% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Registered Nurse salary in Los Angeles, CA?
Staff / Lead Registered Nurses in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $170K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Registered Nurse make per hour in Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $170K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $82/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Registered Nurse in Los Angeles, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Registered Nurse in Los Angeles, CA earns $159K–$187K/yr.