Healthcare Sacramento, CA Pop. 524,943

Registered Nurse Salary in Sacramento, California

The median registered nurse salary in Sacramento, CA is $102,337 per year, which is 26.0% above the national median and 13.7% below the California state average.

City Median
$102,337
vs State Avg
$-16,244
vs National
+$21,117
Cost of Living
118%

Registered Nurse Pay in Sacramento: What to Expect (2026)

Sacramento offers a median registered nurse salary of $102,337, which is $16,244 below the California state average of $118,581. Compared to the national median of $81,220, Sacramento pays above average for this role.

However, Sacramento's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $102,337 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $86,726. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Sacramento should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for registered nurses in Sacramento spans from $72,324 at the 10th percentile to $152,208 at the 90th percentile — a $79,884 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $73,080, while senior registered nurses with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $144,900. As a major metro area with a population of 524,943, Sacramento typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Registered Nurse Salary in Sacramento by Experience

In Sacramento, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $73,080, while experienced professionals earn up to $144,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$73,080
+$15,080 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$103,320
+$21,320 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$144,900
+$29,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Sacramento, CA

Percentile Sacramento
10th Percentile $72,324
25th Percentile $84,168
Median (50th) $102,337
75th Percentile $127,386
90th Percentile $152,208

Registered Nurse Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$154,318
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$142,947
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$125,079
Pop. 3,898,747
San Diego, CA
$121,830
Pop. 1,386,932

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Sacramento

Education

Most registered nurse positions require a bachelor's degree. Sacramento and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Patient AssessmentMedication AdministrationCritical ThinkingCommunicationEMR SystemsBLS/ACLS

Job Outlook

Nationally, registered nurse employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Sacramento may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Registered Nurse Jobs in Sacramento

Browse open registered nurse positions in Sacramento, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Sacramento

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Sacramento, CA? ▼
The median registered nurse salary in Sacramento, California is $102,337 per year, which is 26.0% above the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $72,324 (10th percentile) to $152,208 (90th percentile).
How much does a Registered Nurse make per hour in Sacramento? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $102,337, a registered nurse in Sacramento earns approximately $49 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Sacramento compare to the California state average for registered nurse pay? ▼
Sacramento's median registered nurse salary of $102,337 is 13.7% below the California state average of $118,581. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Sacramento, CA? ▼
Sacramento has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a registered nurse salary of $102,337 in Sacramento has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a registered nurse in Sacramento? ▼
Most registered nurse positions in Sacramento require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Patient Assessment, Medication Administration, Critical Thinking, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.