Metro profile · CBSA 32900
Healthcare wages in Merced, CA
21 occupations with reported wage data, scored on the WageBench 0-100 scale that blends pay, cost of living, state tax, and license access.
CRISIS PAY WATCH · FEMA
5 active disasters in California· Chemical · Fire
State-level overlay — county-to-metro rollup pending.
- 2-7 FIRE
- BAIN FIRE
- CANYON FIRE
- + 2 more declarations
Active disaster declarations often drive temporary surges in travel-nurse, RT, and crisis-response pay rates. Recruiters may offer sign-on bonuses or premium hourly rates for crisis assignments. WageBench base wages do not include these premiums.
See full active disaster overlay →Latest declared 2026-05-25
COL Index (RPP)
—
100 = national avg
HUD FMR (2BR)
—
Fair-market rent
GSA Per Diem
—
Lodging stipend cap
Avg Score
42
Across 21 roles
Every healthcare occupation in Merced
Sortable by median wage, take-home after state tax, or WageBench Score. Click any role for state + metro comparison.
21 occupations
| Occupation | Category | Annual Median | Take-Home | WageBench Score ↓ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | nursing | $131,620 | $123,723 | 46 |
| Radiologic Technologists and Technicians | allied | $101,400 | $95,316 | 44 |
| Physical Therapists | allied | $126,000 | $118,440 | 44 |
| Respiratory Therapists | allied | $101,810 | $95,701 | 44 |
| Speech-Language Pathologists | allied | $114,220 | $107,367 | 43 |
| Nurse Practitioners | nursing | $158,750 | $149,225 | 43 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | nursing | $75,890 | $71,337 | 43 |
| Occupational Therapists | allied | $117,970 | $110,892 | 43 |
| Physician Assistants | physician | $164,080 | $154,235 | 43 |
| Phlebotomists | support | $51,180 | $48,109 | 42 |
| Pharmacists | allied | $154,870 | $145,578 | 41 |
| Pharmacy Technicians | allied | $48,680 | $45,759 | 41 |
| Veterinary Technologists and Technicians | allied | $50,420 | $47,395 | 41 |
| Nursing Assistants | support | $44,730 | $42,046 | 41 |
| Family Medicine Physicians | physician | $270,880 | $254,627 | 41 |
| Other Physicians, All Other | physician | $273,110 | $256,723 | 40 |
| Physical Therapist Aides | support | $35,870 | $33,718 | 40 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | support | $34,320 | $32,261 | 39 |
| Dentists, General | physician | $170,200 | $159,988 | 39 |
| Dental Assistants | support | $48,520 | $45,609 | 39 |
| Medical Assistants | support | $39,800 | $37,412 | 37 |
Pro tier
Travel ROI: Registered Nurses in Merced
Take-home, GSA stipend math vs HUD FMR, license context, and a 5-state comparison — formatted for assignment evaluation.