Registered Nurse in Compton, CA

The Salary Picture: Where Compton Stands

If you're a Registered Nurse (RN) considering Compton, the first thing to know is that you'll be paid well above the national average, but the local market has its own unique rhythm. The median salary for an RN in Compton is $90,072/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $43.3/hour. This is a healthy 4.6% above the national average of $86,070/year. While it might not match the astronomical figures you hear about in San Francisco, the cost of living in Compton is significantly lower, making your paycheck stretch further.

The job market is stable but not explosive. The Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim metro area, which includes Compton, has 819 jobs listed for RNs at any given time. The 10-year job growth projection for the region is 6%, which is steady growth, reflecting an aging population and consistent demand for healthcare services.

Here’s how salary typically breaks down by experience level in the Compton area:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$75,000 - $82,000	$36.00 - $39.40
Mid-Career (3-8 years)	$85,000 - $95,000	$40.80 - $45.60
Senior (9-15 years)	$95,000 - $108,000	$45.60 - $51.90
Expert/Lead (15+ years)	$108,000 - $120,000+	$51.90 - $57.60+

Compared to other California cities, Compton offers a compelling balance. An RN in Los Angeles proper might see a median salary closer to $95,000, but rent for a 1BR is often $2,500+. In San Diego, the median is roughly $92,000 with similar rent costs. Compton's $90,072 median against an average 1BR rent of $2,252 provides a more manageable cost-to-income ratio. In the Bay Area, salaries can hit $140,000+, but that's often completely consumed by housing costs exceeding $3,000/month for a modest apartment.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about the numbers. A single RN earning the median $90,072 in Compton will see their take-home pay reduced by federal and California state taxes. After estimated deductions (including Social Security, Medicare, federal tax, and CA state tax), your monthly take-home pay is approximately $5,400 - $5,600.

Here’s a sample monthly budget breakdown:

• Gross Monthly Income: $7,506
• Estimated Take-Home (after taxes): $5,500
• Rent (1BR Average): -$2,252
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet): -$250
• Car Payment & Insurance: -$450 (Compton is car-dependent)
• Gas/Transportation: -$200
• Groceries & Household: -$500
• Health Insurance (if not fully covered by employer): -$150
• Student Loans/Other Debt: -$300
• Discretionary/Savings: $1,398

This leaves a reasonable buffer for savings, emergencies, or discretionary spending. However, buying a home is a significant challenge. The median home price in Compton is approximately $550,000. With a 20% down payment ($110,000), a 30-year mortgage at current rates (around 7%) would have a monthly payment of over $3,000, which is 55% of your take-home pay. This is not advisable. Homeownership in this market typically requires a dual income, a substantial down payment, or looking at more affordable neighboring cities like Carson or parts of Long Beach.

Where the Jobs Are: Compton's Major Employers

Compton is part of the larger South Bay healthcare ecosystem. While there isn't a major Level I trauma center directly in Compton, you'll find ample opportunities in the surrounding area, often with shorter commutes than working in downtown LA.

1. St. Francis Medical Center (Lynwood): Just east of Compton, this is a major trauma center and the closest full-service hospital. It's a primary employer for Compton residents. Hiring is consistent, especially in Med-Surg, ER, and ICU. They offer tuition reimbursement for specialty certifications.
2. Harbor-UCLA Medical Center (Torrance): A major county teaching hospital and Level II trauma center. It's about a 20-25 minute drive from most of Compton. Known for a diverse patient population and strong residency programs. They often have openings for new grads and experienced nurses, with a premium for those with BSNs.
3. Kaiser Permanente (South Bay Medical Center, Harbor City): A top-tier employer with excellent benefits and union representation (SEIU). They are often hiring for primary care, urgent care, and specialty clinics. The commute from Compton is about 25-30 minutes. They prioritize internal mobility, so starting in a clinic can lead to hospital roles.
4. Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science: Located in the Willowbrook neighborhood adjacent to Compton, this is a historically Black university with a nursing school and health sciences programs. They employ RNs for their student health services and affiliated clinics. It's a unique, community-focused employer.
5. Long Beach Memorial Medical Center (Long Beach): Another 20-minute drive west, this is a large, Magnet-recognized hospital. They have a wide range of specialties and are known for strong nursing leadership. Hiring trends show a need for nurses in critical care, surgical services, and behavioral health.
6. Compton Unified School District: For RNs seeking a non-hospital setting, the school district employs school nurses. The schedule is aligned with the academic calendar (summers off), offering a great work-life balance. Pay is competitive with public sector benefits.
7. Various Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) & Home Health Agencies: The Compton area has numerous SNFs and home health companies serving an aging population. These roles offer different pacing and often more predictable hours. They are a common entry point for new grads gaining experience.

Insider Tip: Many Compton-based nurses choose to work at St. Francis or Memorial in Long Beach to avoid the brutal LA traffic heading north. The freeways (I-110, I-710) are your main arteries. A 7 AM shift is manageable, but a 3 PM shift can mean sitting in traffic for over an hour.

Getting Licensed in CA

California has strict licensing requirements, but they are straightforward if you prepare.

1. NCLEX-RN Exam: You must pass this national exam. California does not have its own separate exam.
2. California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN): You must apply for licensure by examination directly to the BRN. The application fee is $150. You will need to have your nursing school send official transcripts directly to the BRN.
3. Fingerprinting: California requires a Live Scan fingerprinting service. The cost is approximately $49.
4. Timeline: It typically takes the BRN 8-10 weeks to process an application and grant permission to test (ATT). Once you have your ATT, you can schedule the NCLEX. Overall, from application to a hard license in hand, expect a 3-4 month process if you have all documents ready.
5. Compact State? California is NOT part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). You must have a California license to practice here, even if you hold a license from another compact state.

Action Step: Start your application with the California BRN as soon as you graduate or decide to move. The process is slow, and you cannot work without the license.

Best Neighborhoods for Registered Nurses

Compton itself is a large city with distinct pockets. For a nurse's lifestyle—considering commute, safety, and amenities—these are the top areas to consider.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why It's Good for Nurses
Central Compton	The core of the city. Close to the 110 freeway.	$2,000 - $2,200	Shortest commute to St. Francis Medical Center. More walkable to local shops and services. Strong community feel.
East Compton (near Lynwood)	Residential, quieter. Borders Lynwood and South Gate.	$2,100 - $2,300	Extremely convenient for St. Francis Medical Center (5-10 min drive). Easy access to I-710 for other jobs.
North Compton / Willowbrook	Adjacent to the I-105 and I-110. More commercial.	$2,200 - $2,400	Quick access to the 105 for a straight shot to Harbor-UCLA (Torrance) or the 110 for downtown LA jobs. Near Charles R. Drew.
Rancho Dominguez (unincorporated)	Industrial mixed with residential.	$2,300 - $2,500	Very close to the I-710 and I-405, making commutes to Long Beach or South Bay hospitals efficient. Often has newer apartment complexes.
Carson (adjacent city)	A separate, more suburban city with higher income.	$2,400 - $2,700	For those wanting a quieter, more suburban feel with better schools. Commute to Compton jobs is still easy (10-15 mins).

Insider Tip: If you're a night shift nurse, prioritize an apartment with blackout curtains and a quiet setting. Traffic noise from the nearby freeways can be disruptive during daytime sleep. Always visit a potential apartment during the day to gauge noise levels.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Compton and the greater South Bay, career growth is more about specialization than climbing a corporate ladder. Here are the value-added specialties and paths:

• Certifications Pay Off: Obtaining a CCRN (Critical Care), CEN (Emergency), or OCN (Oncology) can boost your salary by 7-12%. Hospitals like St. Francis and Harbor-UCLA actively recruit for these specialties.
• Advanced Degrees: A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) opens doors to Nurse Practitioner (NP) roles, which see a median salary jump to $120,000+ in the region. Local universities like CSU Dominguez Hills and Charles R. Drew offer MSN programs.
• Teaching & Leadership: Magnet hospitals like Long Beach Memorial have structured career ladders for Charge Nurse, Nurse Educator, and Nursing Director roles. These require experience and often a BSN or MSN.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth is reliable. The demand will be strongest for nurses with experience in geriatrics, home health, and behavioral health, as California's population ages and mental health integration in primary care expands. Telehealth is also growing, offering remote chart review or triage roles for experienced RNs.

The Verdict: Is Compton Right for You?

Here’s a final, honest assessment:

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Your salary goes further here than in LA or the Bay Area.	Traffic: Commuting can be long and stressful, especially if working outside the immediate area.
High Demand for Nurses: Stable job market with multiple employers within a 20-minute radius.	Housing Pressure: While rent is lower than LA, home ownership is a steep climb for a single income.
Diverse Patient Population: Gain incredible experience in community health, trauma, and chronic disease management.	Urban Challenges: Like any urban area, there are issues with crime and traffic that require situational awareness.
Strong Community Feel: Compton has a deep sense of identity and community pride.	Limited Local Amenities: You'll often drive to nearby cities (Torrance, Long Beach) for major shopping or entertainment.
Great Starting Point: It's an excellent place to build experience, pay down student loans, and then potentially move to a higher-cost area.	Hospital Options: No major Level I trauma center directly in Compton; you'll commute for high-acuity roles.

Final Recommendation: Compton is an excellent choice for a single RN, especially a new grad or mid-career professional, who is budget-conscious and values a strong paycheck-to-rent ratio. It's a place to build solid clinical experience quickly in a high-need environment. If you're a seasoned specialist seeking a specific, niche role (like pediatric oncology), you might need to commute from Compton to a specialized hospital in Los Angeles. For those looking to start a family and buy a home, you'd need to pair your income with a partner's or look to neighboring suburbs. Overall, it's a pragmatic, rewarding market for nurses who prioritize financial stability and hands-on experience.

FAQs

1. I'm a new graduate RN. Is Compton a good place to start my career?
Absolutely. The high demand and variety of settings (hospitals, clinics, SNFs) mean you can often land a position quickly. Many local hospitals have new grad residency programs. The experience you get with a diverse patient population is invaluable.

2. How safe is Compton for a nurse working night shifts?
Like any urban city, situational awareness is key. Most major employers have well-lit parking lots and security patrols. It's advisable to park close, walk in pairs if possible, and be mindful of your surroundings. Many nurses choose to live in a nearby suburb like Carson if they work nights for extra peace of mind.

3. Do I need to speak Spanish to work as a nurse in Compton?
While not a requirement, it is a huge asset. A significant portion of the patient population is Spanish-speaking. Bilingual nurses are highly valued and often receive hiring preference and sometimes a small pay differential.

4. What are the typical shift patterns in local hospitals?
Most hospitals operate on 12-hour shifts (7 AM - 7 PM or 7 PM - 7 AM). This typically means working three days a week, offering four days off. Some clinics and school nursing roles follow more traditional 8-hour day shifts.

5. Is there a nursing union presence?
Yes. Many of the larger hospitals in the region, including Kaiser Permanente, are unionized (typically with the California Nurses Association or SEIU). Union contracts provide strong benefits, job protection, and clear pay scales based on experience. Be sure to ask about union status during your job interview.