Cities Near California Offering Good Salaries For Nurses

Nursing is a profession that spans the globe. Hence, nursing jobs can be found all over the world and provide secure employment. The average salary for a nurse is generally good enough for them to live financially secure lives across most parts of the world. Furthermore, most nursing roles offer opportunities for candidates to work their way up to some of the highest-paying nursing jobs.

In the United States, California is the state where nurses are paid best in the country. This applies when considering the average salary for a nurse across all nursing roles. California is also a popular state to work in among nursing aspirants due to the better lifestyle associated with the state.

But what about the places around the state of California? The state shares its borders with the country of Mexico along with other American states such as Arizona, Nevada, and Oregon. Some prominent cities in these states are close to California by either being right next to the border or within traveling distance from it. Let’s see how they stack up when it comes to salaries for nursing jobs.

Nevada

• Approximate Annual Cost of Living Per Year (Single Person): $28,512 (Source: Livingcost.com)
• Approximate Cost of Living Per Year (A Family of 4 People ): $65,232 (Source: Livingcost.com)

Nevada shares its borders with California. California shares its eastern border with the state. Some of the prominent cities in Nevada fall close to the border. The cost of living for both individuals and families is reasonable within the state.

• Average Annual Salary (Licensed Vocational Nurse): $63,910 (Source: BLS)
• Average Annual Salary (Registered Nurse): $96,310 (Source: BLS)
• Average Annual Salary (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse): $148,670(Source: BLS)

The average salary for a nurse in each of the three above classifications is enough to survive as an individual. Even at entry-level, all three should just be able to survive. For a family of four, RNs and APRNs make enough to get by. While LVN falls just short when it comes to matching the cost of living for a family of four,. However, they can survive by making a few minor adjustments to their lifestyle.

Carson City

• Approximate Cost of Living Per Year (Single Person): $26,604 (Source: Livingcost.com)
• Approximate Cost of Living Per Year (A Family of 4 People): $63,588 (Source: Livingcost.com)

The cost of living for a single person as well as a family of four in Carson City is slightly lower than the state average for Nevada. This is a positive and indicates it is an affordable city to live in. It is also the state capital, which adds to its significance.

• Average Annual Salary (Licensed Vocational Nurse): $68,260 (Source: BLS)
• Average Annual Salary (Registered Nurse): $94,350 (Source: BLS)
• Average Annual Salary (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse): $154,720 (Source: BLS)

The average salary for a nurse in the state for all three types is enough for them to survive financially. This applies both individually and if they have families. This compares slightly better than the state averages for Nevada, indicating that Carson City is a good job market for nurses. The average salary of an RN is slightly lower than the state average but is good enough to live well.

Reno

• Approximate Cost of Living Per Year (Single Person): $24,780 (Source: Livingcost.com)
• Approximate Cost of Living Per Year (A Family of 4 People ): $60,432 (Source: Livingcost.com)

As per the aforementioned figures, Reno is more affordable to live in compared to the average numbers for Nevada. It is more affordable than Carson City, too. It is developed and offers a good quality of life to its inhabitants.

• Average Annual Salary (Licensed Vocational Nurse): $69,600 (Source: BLS)
• Average Annual Salary (Registered Nurse): $97,160 (Source: BLS)
• Average Annual Salary (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse): $146,740 (Source: BLS)

The average salary for a nurse, in the case of an LVN and an RN, is better than the state average. This, combined with a lower cost of living, makes it a good job market for them. The salary for APRNs is marginally lower than the state's average but still financially lucrative. All three types of nurses can earn enough to meet expenses here. Hence, considering all factors, Reno is a good place for nurses to work and settle.

Las Vegas

• Approximate Cost of Living Per Year (Single Person): $28,896 (Source: Livingcost.com)
• Approximate Cost of Living Per Year (A Family of 4 People): $65,400 (Source: Livingcost.com)

Las Vegas is globally renowned for its tourism, which is mainly due to its connection with gambling and party culture. The city’s cost of living is only marginally greater than the average numbers for the state of Nevada. It is also well-developed and offers a good lifestyle.

• Average Annual Salary (Licensed Vocational Nurse): $65,880 (Source: BLS)
• Average Annual Salary (Registered Nurse): $98,190 (Source: BLS)
• Average Annual Salary (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse): $149,960 (Source: BLS)

The average salary for a nurse in each of the three cases is above the state average. The average salary is enough to take care of themselves and their families when compared to the cost of living. The figures for nursing jobs and cost of living are closest to the state average for Nevada among the major cities that border California.

*Note: Las Vegas and Henderson are part of the same metropolitan region. Hence, the statistics have been collected together, meaning their figures are the same.

Henderson

• Approximate Cost of Living Per Year (Single Person): $32,196 (Source: Livingcost.com)
• Approximate Cost of Living Per Year (A Family of 4 People ): $71,568 (Source: Livingcost.com)

In terms of lifestyle and living expenses, the city is more on the high-end within the state. Its cost of living is noticeably above the state average. The city is located near Las Vegas, and both are considered part of the same metropolitan region.

• Average Annual Salary (Licensed Vocational Nurse): $65,880 (Source: BLS)
• Average Annual Salary (Registered Nurse): $98,190 (Source: BLS)
• Average Annual Salary (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse): $149,960 (Source: BLS)

For an LVN at entry level, it will be a bit hard to survive financially. They can still manage but will have to live on a tighter budget. The same applies if they are a bit more experienced but have a family.

RNs and APs RNs can cope financially both individually at entry and when they are a bit more experienced and have families. The average salary for a nurse in each of the cases is close to the state average but considering the higher cost of living, the job market does have scope for improvement.

*Note: Las Vegas and Henderson are part of the same metropolitan region. Hence, the statistics have been collected together, meaning their figures are the same.

Oregon

• Approximate Cost of Living Per Year (Single Person): $28,872 (Source: Livingcost.com)
• Approximate Cost of Living Per Year (A Family of 4 People ): $68,568 (Source: Livingcost.com)

California shares its northern border with the state of Oregon. Oregon is also a coastal state, just like California. The cost of living for a single person seems reasonable, but that of a family seems a bit higher than normal. The state appears to be more expensive when compared to Nevada.

• Average Annual Salary (Licensed Vocational Nurse): $66,190 (Source: BLS)
• Average Annual Salary (Registered Nurse): $106,610 (Source: BLS)
• Average Annual Salary (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse): $159,440 (Source: BLS)

The average salary for a nurse, when applied to an LVN, seems a bit low compared to the cost of living. Individuals employed in these roles can still survive by living on tighter budgets. RNs and APRNs, on the other hand, are paid very well and much better than in Nevada. This pay gap between LVNs and other nurses is something that needs to be addressed.

Medford

• Approximate Cost of Living Per Year (Single Person): $30,288 (Source: Livingcost.com)
• Approximate Cost of Living Per Year (A Family of 4 People): $62,244 (Source: Livingcost.com)

The cost of living for a single person is a bit higher compared to the state average, but that of a family is surprisingly lower, which is a bit strange. The city is a good place to live and offers a good quality of life. The city is generally affordable, though some individuals may need to adjust their budgets a bit.

• Average Annual Salary (Licensed Vocational Nurse): $67,560 (Source: BLS)
• Average Annual Salary (Registered Nurse): $105,390 (Source: BLS)
• Average Annual Salary (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse): $145,380 (Source: BLS)

The average salary for a nurse employed as an LVN is just above the state average, while that of RNs and APRNs is below the state average. However, all three make enough to meet living expenses within the city, making the job market here a decent one for nurses.

Klamath Falls

• Approximate Cost of Living Per Year (Single Person): $22,116 (Source: Livingcost.com)
• Approximate Cost of Living Per Year (A Family of 4 People ): $53,316 (Source: Livingcost.com)

When it comes to living expenses, Klamath Falls is arguably one of the most affordable places to live near the California border. The city has a stable economy and provides a good quality of life for its people.

• Average Annual Salary (Licensed Vocational Nurse): $68,070 (Source: BLS)
• Average Annual Salary (Registered Nurse): $107,390 (Source: BLS)
• Average Annual Salary (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse): $138,630 (Source: BLS)

The average salary for a nurse employed as an LVN or an RN is above the state average. This, combined with the lower cost of living, makes it a rewarding job market for them. APRNs have a slightly lower mean salary than the state average but can still live a good lifestyle in this economy.

*Note: The data for Klamath Falls has been taken collectively with other nearby regions, which have together been classified by the website as ‘Central Oregon Non-Metropolitan Area’.

Grant Pass

• Approximate Cost of Living Per Year (Single Person): $23,796 (Source: Livingcost.com)
• Approximate Cost of Living Per Year (A Family of 4 People ): $51,612 (Source: Livingcost.com)

Although the city is not exactly connected to the California border, it is still close to the region. The city is very affordable, as it has lower living expenses compared to the state average. It is considered a good place to reside.

• Average Annual Salary (Licensed Vocational Nurse): $71,990 (Source: BLS)
• Average Annual Salary (Registered Nurse): $104,270 (Source: BLS)
• Average Annual Salary (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse): $133,660 (Source: BLS)

The average salary for a nurse working as an LVN is above the state average, which, combined with a lower cost of living, means more room for savings. RNs and APRNs have a lower salary compared to the state average, which indicates there is a need for a bit of improvement in these areas. However, their earnings are still enough to survive and cope.

Arizona

• Approximate Cost of Living Per Year (Single Person): $27,768 (Source: Livingcost.com)
• Approximate Cost of Living Per Year (A Family of 4 People): $62.160 (Source: Livingcost.com)

Arizona shares borders with both Nevada and California. The living expenses are reasonable for both individuals and families. The state is well-developed and enjoys a great deal of tourism too. It is not a bad place to live, either.

• Average Annual Salary (Licensed Vocational Nurse): $61,920 (Source: BLS)
• Average Annual Salary (Registered Nurse): $86,740 (Source: BLS)
• Average Annual Salary (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse): $136,443 (Source: BLS)

The average salary for a nurse occupying an LVN is marginally below the average living costs. However, such individuals can manage by making adjustments to their lifestyles. RNs and APRNs' salaries are lower than the state averages for Nevada and Oregon. These are areas in the job market that need improvement.

Yuma

• Approximate Cost of Living Per Year (Single Person): $21,936 (Source: Livingcost.com)
• Approximate Cost of Living Per Year (A Family of 4 People): $46,512 (Source: Livingcost.com)

Compared to the state average for Arizona, the city is well affordable. This applies from a single-person perspective, along with that of a family. The city has a good economy and is a great place to settle down.

• Average Annual Salary (Licensed Vocational Nurse): $65,920 (Source: BLS)
• Average Annual Salary (Registered Nurse): $91,490 (Source: BLS)
• Average Annual Salary (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse): $137,170 (Source: BLS)

The average salary for a nurse in each of the three cases is greater than the state average. This, combined with the lower living costs, leaves more room for savings. It is a great job market for nurses to thrive in and live good-quality lives.

Lake Havasu City

• Approximate Cost of Living Per Year (Single Person): $25,476 (Source: Livingcost.com)
• Approximate Cost of Living Per Year (A Family of 4 People): $58,800 (Source: Livingcost.com)

It is another good option when it comes to affordability for individuals and families, as the living costs are lower than the state average for Arizona. The city has a stable economy and is a good place to settle down.

• Average Annual Salary (Licensed Vocational Nurse): $60,620 (Source: BLS)
• Average Annual Salary (Registered Nurse): $83,610 (Source: BLS)
• Average Annual Salary (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse): $134,770 (Source: BLS)

All three types of nurses are making enough to be able to survive financially in the city. The salaries for each of the three types are below the state average. However, the job market is still a good one for nurses.

*Note: Lake Havasu City and Kingman are part of the same metropolitan region. Hence, the statistics have been collected together, meaning their figures are the same.

Kingman

• Approximate Cost of Living Per Year (Single Person): $24,096 (Source: Livingcost.com)
• Approximate Cost of Living Per Year (A Family of 4 People): $58,212 (Source: Livingcost.com)

This is also an affordable city to live in when measured against the state average. Both individuals as well as families will find the city less expensive. The city is near both the California and Nevada borders, making it more accessible.

• Average Annual Salary (Licensed Vocational Nurse): $60,620 (Source: BLS)
• Average Annual Salary (Registered Nurse): $83,610 (Source: BLS)
• Average Annual Salary (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse): $134,770 (Source: BLS)

The average salary for a nurse is lower than the state average in each of the three cases. However, their earnings are still enough to cover living expenses, making it a good job market to be a part of.

*Note: Lake Havasu City and Kingman are part of the same metropolitan region. Hence, the statistics have been collected together, meaning their figures are the same.

Final Thoughts

Each type of nurse requires a different set of hard and soft skills. This leads to a varied scope of responsibilities and authority, which ultimately contributes to the salary differences. California may be widely rated as the best-paying state for nurses but some of its neighboring states and their cities do not fare too badly in comparison either.