Registered Nurse Salary in California
Based on 339K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$140,270
$67.44/hr
vs National Average
$94,098
+49.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$101K – $213K
339K employed in California
Registered nurses in California earn a median salary of $140,270 per year, significantly outpacing the national average by 49%. With approximately 338,940 registered nurses employed throughout the state, California continues to offer one of the most competitive compensation packages for nursing professionals, attracting talent from across the country.
Several factors influence registered nurse salary in California, including years of experience, specialization, work setting, and geographic location within the state. Coastal urban areas and regions with higher costs of living typically offer elevated wages compared to rural communities. Additionally, shift differentials, overtime opportunities, and employer type—whether hospital, clinic, or other healthcare facility—play important roles in determining individual earning potential within this robust job market.
Salary Distribution — Registered Nurse in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $101,260 |
| 25th percentile | $122,440 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $140,270 |
| 75th percentile | $173,170 |
| 90th percentile | $213,320 |
Top-Paying Industries for Registered Nurse (U.S.)
Which industries pay Registered Nurses the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Registered Nurses in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $110,780 | 170K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $100,010 | 23K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $97,660 | 2.9M |
| Information | $97,430 | 590 |
| Utilities | $95,280 | 70 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Registered Nurse in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $132,660 |
| 2023 | $133,990 |
| 2024 | $140,330 |
| 2025 | $140,270 |
| 2026 (projected) | $140,270 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $132,660 | $81,890 |
| 2023 | $133,990 | $86,652 |
| 2024 | $140,330 | $90,458 |
| 2025 | $140,270 | $94,098 |
| 2026 (projected) | $140,270 | $94,098 |
Registered Nurse Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $122,440 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $140,270 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $173,170 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $213,320 |
Registered Nurse Salary in Other States
Related Registered Nurse Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Registered Nurse ($140,270 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Registered Nurse | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychiatrist in CA | $353,500 | +152.0% | $169.95/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in CA | $313,890 | +123.8% | $150.91/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in CA | $301,240 | +114.8% | $144.83/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in CA | $292,410 | +108.5% | $140.58/hr |
| Radiologist in CA | $270,560 | +92.9% | $130.08/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in CA | $252,010 | +79.7% | $121.16/hr |
| Pediatrician in CA | $214,140 | +52.7% | $102.95/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in CA | $203,840 | +45.3% | $98.00/hr |
| Podiatrist in CA | $201,300 | +43.5% | $96.78/hr |
| Cardiologist in CA | $185,610 | +32.3% | $89.24/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in CA | $168,520 | +20.1% | $81.02/hr |
| Dentist in CA | $165,950 | +18.3% | $79.78/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do registered nurses make in California?
- The median salary for registered nurses in California is $140,270 per year, or $67 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 49.1% premium for nurses working in the state.
What is the salary range for registered nurses in California?
- Registered nurse salaries in California range from $101,260 at the lower end to $213,320 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and geographic location within the state.
Is nursing a well-paid job in California compared to the rest of the US?
- Yes, registered nurses in California earn 49.1% more than the national average, with a median salary of $140,270 compared to lower national figures. This makes California one of the most lucrative states for nursing careers.
How many registered nurses are employed in California?
- There are 338,940 registered nurses currently employed in California. This large workforce reflects both the state's size and its substantial demand for healthcare professionals.