Healthcare California (CA) Rank #2 of 50

Registered Nurse Salary in California

The median registered nurse salary in California is $118,581 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median of $81,220.

Median Salary
$118,581
vs National
+$37,361
State Rank
#2 of 50
Cost of Living
138%

Registered Nurse Salary in California by Experience

In California, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $84,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $167,900 per year. The cost of living index in California is 138% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$84,680
+$26,680 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$119,720
+$37,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$167,900
+$52,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in California

Percentile CA Salary
10th Percentile $83,804
25th Percentile $97,528
Median (50th) $118,581
75th Percentile $147,606
90th Percentile $176,368

Major Cities for Registered Nurses in California

The largest employment areas for registered nurses in California include Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and San Jose. Salaries in major metro areas may be higher due to increased demand and cost of living.

Los Angeles, CA
Metro area for registered nurse employment
San Francisco, CA
Metro area for registered nurse employment
San Diego, CA
Metro area for registered nurse employment
San Jose, CA
Metro area for registered nurse employment
Sacramento, CA
Metro area for registered nurse employment

How to Become a Registered Nurse in California

Education

Most registered nurse positions require a bachelor's degree. California has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Patient AssessmentMedication AdministrationCritical ThinkingCommunicationEMR SystemsBLS/ACLS

Job Outlook in California

Nationally, registered nurse employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). California's demand may vary based on local industry trends.