90% OFF - $9.99
11:59:59
Claim Lifetime Deal
2026 Salary Data — Long Beach, CA
Updated April 28, 2026

Registered Nurse Salary in Long Beach: $103K Median

Registered Nurses in Long Beach, CA earn between $76K and $159K per year.

That's +20% above the US national median of $86,070 for this role.

Quick Answer

As of April 2026, the median Registered Nurse salary in Long Beach, CA is $103,284 per year — +20% above the US national median of $86,070. Salaries range from $76,464 (entry, 25th percentile) to $159,216 (90th percentile). Registered Nurses in Long Beach earned approximately $15,649 in 2025, representing 560.0% year-over-year growth.

Median
$103,284
+560.0% YoY · $8,607/mo
Entry
$78,000
0–2 years
Experienced
$126,000
5+ years
Top 10%
$159,216
Senior/lead
Registered Nurse Salary — Long Beach vs Nearby
Long Beach
$103K
Los Angeles
$110K
-6% vs Long Beach
San Diego
$102K
+2% vs Long Beach
San Francisco
$133K
-23% vs Long Beach

Free ATS scan · Long Beach employers · Results in 60 seconds

About Registered Nurses in Long Beach

Registered nurses (RNs) provide direct patient care, administer medications, coordinate care plans, and educate patients about health conditions.

Core Responsibilities

  • Patient assessment and care planning
  • Medication administration
  • Wound care and clinical procedures
  • Patient and family education
  • Care coordination with physicians

Education & Certifications

Typical path: BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) increasingly preferred over ADN

In-demand certifications

NCLEX-RNBLS/ACLSCCRN (critical care)CNOR (perioperative)Compact Nursing License

Long Beach Job Market

Major Pacific port city with strong aerospace and healthcare presence.

Population
467K
Cost of Living
153
vs 100 US avg
Unemployment
5%
Median Home
$770K

Top Industries in Long Beach

AerospaceHealthcareLogistics (Port)TourismEducation

Top Employers Hiring Registered Nurses

Major employers active in Long Beach or hiring remotely from this metro.

HCA Healthcare
Kaiser Permanente
Mayo Clinic
Cleveland Clinic
CommonSpirit Health
Veterans Health

All major employers use ATS software.

Workday, Greenhouse, Taleo, and iCIMS auto-screen 75% of resumes before a human ever sees them. Scan your resume free to see your match rate.

2026 Hot Skills & Resume Keywords

Skills that command salary premiums and pass ATS keyword filters.

Hottest 2026 Skills

These appear in the highest-paying Registered Nurse listings.

TelehealthEpic EHRBSN credentialSpecialty certificationsNLC compact license

ATS Resume Keywords

Include these naturally throughout your resume.

patient caremedication administrationEHR (Epic, Cerner)critical thinkingBLSIV therapypatient education
Career Outlook
+6% Growth Projected (2024-2034)

RN employment projected to grow 6% through 2034, with 194,500 openings annually. Chronic shortage continues, driving competitive salaries and signing bonuses.

Registered Nurse Salary Breakdown — Long Beach

PeriodEntry (25th)Median (50th)Top (90th)
Annual$76,464$103,284$159,216
Monthly$6,372$8,607$13,268
Weekly$1,470$1,986$3,062
Hourly$37$50$77

Based on 2080 working hours/year. Local figures derived from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics national median ($86,070) adjusted for Long Beach's cost-of-living multiplier (1.20×, sourced from BEA Regional Price Parities).

Registered Nurse Take-Home Pay in Long Beach

After federal, state and FICA taxes — single filer, standard deduction.

Net Annual Take-Home
$75,277.674
Per month$6,273
Biweekly paycheck$2,895
Effective tax rate27.1%

Tax Breakdown on $103,284

Gross salary$103,284
Federal income tax−$14,424.48
California state tax−$5,680.62
FICA (Social Security + Medicare)−$7,901.226
Take-home (net)$75,277.674

Estimates assume single filer, standard deduction ($14,600 for 2026), no 401(k)/HSA/dependents. Actual take-home varies with deductions, dependents, and benefits elections. Not tax advice.

Registered Nurse Salary by Experience — Long Beach

Career-stage progression for Registered Nurses in Long Beach.

ExperienceAnnual Salary
0–1 yr$71,760
2–3 yr$78,000
4–6 yr$102,000
7–10 yr$126,000
11–15 yr$148,680
15+ yr$142,608

Curve derived from BLS percentile data adjusted for Long Beach's 1.20× cost-of-living multiplier. Highlighted row = 7–10 year experienced level.

Year-Over-Year Trend

+560.0% vs 2025

2025 median:$15,649
2026 median:$103,284
Change:+$87,635

Healthcare sector growth driven by demand for Telehealth and Epic EHR.

Is This A Good Salary?

Livable middle-class

Cost-adjusted, this is a workable middle-class salary. Budgeting matters - dual-income households fare materially better, and saving for a down payment will take discipline.

COL-Adjusted Purchasing Power
$67,506
Difficult on the median - the nominal salary masks how little real purchasing power remains after rent, taxes, and basic costs.

How to Negotiate Your Registered Nurse Salary in Long Beach

Walk-away anchor: $93,895 (offers below this are below market for Long Beach).

Leverage Points

  • Specialty certifications (CCRN, OCS, BCPS, FNP) command 8-15% premiums
  • Compact license / multi-state authority and willingness to float between units
  • Night, weekend, and holiday shift differentials add up to $10K-$25K annually
  • Critical-shortage specialties (ICU, ER, NICU, oncology) have the most leverage

Beyond Base Salary, Negotiate

Sign-on bonus ($10K-$30K, often $50K+ for hard-to-fill roles)Tuition reimbursement and certification stipendsLoan repayment programs (especially federal/HRSA-eligible)Shift differentials (nights +15%, weekends +10%)Relocation package and housing stipend

What To Say

"Given the current shortage in this specialty and my certifications, I'm looking for $X base plus shift differential and a sign-on bonus. What flexibility do you have on those line items?"

Anchor on $126K–$159K for experienced roles, citing Long Beach market data and your specific Telehealth/Epic EHR expertise.

Registered Nurse Salary FAQ — Long Beach

What is the average Registered Nurse salary in Long Beach, CA?
The average Registered Nurse salary in Long Beach is $103,284 per year as of April 2026 — $8,607/month, $1,986/week, or about $50/hour. Salaries range from $76,464 (entry, 25th percentile) up to $159,216 (experienced, 90th percentile). Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics adjusted for Long Beach's cost-of-living multiplier (1.20×).
Is $103,284 a good Registered Nurse salary in Long Beach?
Livable middle-class. Cost-adjusted, this is a workable middle-class salary. Budgeting matters - dual-income households fare materially better, and saving for a down payment will take discipline. Long Beach's cost-of-living index is 153 (vs 100 nationally), giving $103,284 a real purchasing power of approximately $67,506 in national terms. Difficult on the median - the nominal salary masks how little real purchasing power remains after rent, taxes, and basic costs.
Can you live on $103,284 in Long Beach?
Median pay is below HUD's low-income threshold for a family of four in some of these metros (notably San Francisco, where $104K qualifies as 'low income'). Raising a family on the median typically requires two earners, a long commute, or family help with housing. Spending 30% on rent is impossible at the median in this market - most workers spend 40-50% or take roommates well into their 30s. HUD classifies anything over 30% as 'cost-burdened' here. For Long Beach specifically (median home price $770,000), a $103,284 salary supports a moderate lifestyle with careful budgeting.
Is $103,284 enough for a single person in Long Beach?
A single adult in Long Beach typically needs ~$68,850 for a comfortable lifestyle (housing, food, transport, healthcare, modest savings). A $103,284 salary is well above that threshold — a single person can live comfortably with significant savings room.
Is $103,284 enough for a couple in Long Beach?
A couple (one earner) in Long Beach typically needs ~$110,160 for a comfortable lifestyle. A $103,284 salary as the sole household income is below the comfortable threshold — most couples at this level need both partners working or significant lifestyle adjustments. Two earners at $103,284 each ($206,568 household) provides solid middle-class comfort.
Is $103,284 enough for a family of 4 in Long Beach?
A family of 4 (one earner) in Long Beach typically needs ~$168,300 for a comfortable middle-class lifestyle (housing for 4, childcare/school, food, healthcare, transport, savings). A $103,284 salary as the sole household income is below the comfortable threshold — most families need a second income or to live in cheaper suburbs/exurbs of Long Beach. Childcare costs in Long Beach typically run $23K-$43K per child per year.
What is the take-home pay for a Registered Nurse in Long Beach?
On a $103,284 Registered Nurse salary in Long Beach, CA, you take home approximately $75,277.674 per year ($6,273/month, $2,895 per biweekly paycheck) after taxes. Breakdown: federal $14,424.48, state $5,680.62, FICA $7,901.226. Effective tax rate: 27.1%. (Single filer, standard deduction, no other adjustments.)
How much do Registered Nurses in Long Beach earn compared to the US average?
Registered Nurses in Long Beach earn approximately 20% more than the US national median for this role ($86,070 nationally vs $103,284 in Long Beach). However, Long Beach's cost-of-living index of 153 means real purchasing power is approximately $67,506 when adjusted for local prices.
What does an entry-level Registered Nurse earn in Long Beach?
Entry-level Registered Nurses in Long Beach typically start at around $78,000 (0–2 years experience). With 5+ years, Registered Nurses earn $126,000 or more. Top earners (90th percentile) reach $159,216+, typically at senior or lead levels with specialized skills.
Did Registered Nurse salaries in Long Beach increase in 2026?
Yes — Registered Nurse salaries in Long Beach grew approximately 560.0% year-over-year, from $15,649 in 2025 to $103,284 in 2026 (+$87,635). This reflects the broader Healthcare sector's compensation trend, driven by Telehealth and Epic EHR demand.
What's the job outlook for Registered Nurses in Long Beach?
RN employment projected to grow 6% through 2034, with 194,500 openings annually. Chronic shortage continues, driving competitive salaries and signing bonuses. Long Beach's top industries include Aerospace, Healthcare, Logistics (Port), and the metro's current unemployment rate is 5% — steady demand for skilled workers.
What skills are most in demand for Registered Nurses in 2026?
The hottest 2026 skills for Registered Nurses are: Telehealth, Epic EHR, BSN credential, Specialty certifications, NLC compact license. ATS systems specifically scan for these keywords. Adding them to your resume — naturally and in context — significantly improves your match rate with employers in Long Beach.
Who are the top employers hiring Registered Nurses in Long Beach?
Top employers hiring Registered Nurses in or near Long Beach include: HCA Healthcare, Kaiser Permanente, Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, CommonSpirit Health, Veterans Health. Most use ATS software (Workday, Greenhouse, Taleo, iCIMS) to screen resumes — meaning your resume must be ATS-optimized to even get a human reader.
How do I negotiate a higher Registered Nurse salary in Long Beach?
Given the current shortage in this specialty and my certifications, I'm looking for $X base plus shift differential and a sign-on bonus. What flexibility do you have on those line items? Key leverage points for Healthcare negotiations: Specialty certifications (CCRN, OCS, BCPS, FNP) command 8-15% premiums; Compact license / multi-state authority and willingness to float between units; Night, weekend, and holiday shift differentials add up to $10K-$25K annually. Beyond base salary, negotiate for: Sign-on bonus ($10K-$30K, often $50K+ for hard-to-fill roles), Tuition reimbursement and certification stipends, Loan repayment programs (especially federal/HRSA-eligible), Shift differentials (nights +15%, weekends +10%).
How can I increase my Registered Nurse salary in Long Beach?
Three highest-leverage moves: (1) Add 2026's hot skills (Telehealth, Epic EHR, BSN credential) — they command 15-30% premiums. (2) Get a recognized certification (e.g., NCLEX-RN or BLS/ACLS). (3) Tailor your resume to each role's keywords — CVCraft's ATS scanner shows you exactly what's missing.
What education do I need to become a Registered Nurse in Long Beach?
BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) increasingly preferred over ADN is the typical path. However, Long Beach's competitive market increasingly values demonstrable skills, portfolios, and certifications alongside (or in place of) traditional degrees — particularly for Healthcare roles.

Methodology & Sources

Registered Nurse salary figures for Long Beach are computed by adjusting the BLS national median ($86,070) by Long Beach's cost-of-living multiplier of 1.20× — a composite of regional wage data and price parities. Year-over-year change (560.0%) reflects the Healthcare sector's 2025-2026 wage growth per BLS Employment Cost Index trends. Last reviewed April 28, 2026.

Data Sources

Related Roles in Long Beach

Nurse Practitioner →Pharmacist →Physical Therapist →Occupational Therapist →Physician →Dentist →

Registered Nurse Salary in Other Cities

Los Angeles, CA$110KSan Diego, CA$102KSan Francisco, CA$133KFresno, CA$82KSacramento, CA$93KOakland, CA$120K

Land a $103K+ Registered Nurse Role in Long Beach

Knowing the salary is step one. Step two: getting past the ATS. CVCraft scans your resume, finds missing keywords, and fixes formatting issues in 60 seconds.

Scan My Resume Free

No signup required · Works for all Healthcare roles