Kenyan in US Explains Why KSh20 Million Nurse Salary Doesn’t Make You Rich

Nurses in California may earn gross salaries approaching $160,000 annually, but after taxes, mandatory deductions, and the high cost of living, their disposable income is significantly lower.

Kenyan-born US resident Mukurima X Muriuki points out that the widely quoted salary figure represents gross income, not the amount nurses actually take home. He explains that the substantial deductions, including federal and state taxes, Social Security, and Medicare contributions, can reduce an annual salary of $160,000 by nearly $58,000, leaving a net income of around $101,000 to $106,000 before additional expenses like healthcare premiums and retirement contributions.

Although California consistently ranks as one of the highest-paying states for nurses, with salaries in metropolitan areas such as San Francisco and San Jose surpassing $150,000, the state also has some of the highest living costs in the country. Housing, utilities, childcare, and transportation can quickly erode disposable income, meaning that even six-figure salaries often lead to a lifestyle closer to the middle class than the affluent image suggested by the gross figures.

Muriuki also highlights the demanding nature of the nursing profession. Long shifts, overtime, and irregular hours are common, and the physical and emotional strain can take a toll on workers' wellbeing. Nurses seeking higher wages often face a trade-off between financial gain and personal time, affecting family life and work-life balance.

For many Kenyan nurses, the financial opportunities in the US offer a chance to support family members back home. In 2025, remittances from the Kenyan diaspora reached an estimated KSh650 billion, illustrating the significant role of migration in Kenya’s economy. However, Muriuki cautions that while the US offers opportunities, these must be weighed against the substantial costs involved.