Average Registered Nurse Salary in California
Registered Nurses in California earn an average of $109,589 per year across 6 metro areas. This is +17.1% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$109,589
per year
Hourly Rate
$52.69
per hour
vs National
+17.1%
$93,600 national
Salary Range
$70,953
to $160,674
About Registered Nurse Careers in California
Registered nurses (RNs) are essential healthcare professionals who provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients about health conditions, and offer emotional support to patients and their families. They work in various healthcare settings and serve as the backbone of the healthcare system, providing critical care and advocacy for patients.
In California, registered nurses earn an average of $109,589 per year as of 2026, with salaries ranging from $70,953 for entry-level roles to $160,674 for the most experienced professionals — +17.1% above the national average. Pay is influenced most by nursing specialty (icu, emergency, oncology tend to pay more), education level (bsn vs. adn), and the specific metro area within California.
Why California Pays Registered Nurses More Than Any Other State
California is the highest-paying state in the country for registered nurses. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data has placed California at or near the top of every state for average RN wages — well above the national average — and the figures on this page reflect the most recent BLS release, reviewed for the 2025–2026 period. California also employs more registered nurses than any other state, so both demand and pay are exceptionally strong.
Several forces push California RN pay above the national median. The state has a high cost of living that lifts base wages across every metro. It is also home to large, well-funded health systems such as Kaiser Permanente, Sutter Health, UC Health, and Dignity Health that compete for nurses. Crucially, California is the only state with a law mandating minimum nurse-to-patient staffing ratios (in effect since 2004), which increases the number of nurses hospitals must employ and strengthens nurses’ bargaining position. Strong unions — the California Nurses Association and National Nurses United — negotiate contracts that further raise wages, shift differentials, and benefits.
Pay is highest in the San Francisco Bay Area, where metros like San Jose, San Francisco, Sacramento, and Vallejo rank among the best-paid for RNs nationwide; coastal Southern California (Los Angeles, San Diego) also pays well above the national average. Inland regions such as the Central Valley and Riverside–San Bernardino pay less in dollar terms but offer a much lower cost of living. All registered nurses must hold an active license from the California Board of Registered Nursing, and specialty certifications (ICU, ER, OR, labor and delivery), overtime, and night or weekend shift differentials can add substantially to the base salaries shown below.
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$109,589
Cost of Living Index
142
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$77,175
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for California's cost of living (above average), a Registered Nurse's salary of $109,589 has the purchasing power of $77,175 in an average-cost area.
Registered Nurse Salary by City in California
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $130,316 | $62.65/hr | $82,973 | $189,565 | 3,650 |
| San Francisco, CA | $127,084 | $61.10/hr | $79,868 | $191,464 | 3,810 |
| San Diego, CA | $103,978 | $49.99/hr | $68,720 | $154,443 | 3,001 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $103,767 | $49.89/hr | $68,281 | $148,378 | 4,486 |
| Sacramento, CA | $99,345 | $47.76/hr | $65,834 | $144,017 | 2,763 |
| Riverside, CA | $93,042 | $44.73/hr | $60,042 | $136,175 | 2,668 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
California vs National Average
Registered Nurse Salary Comparison
Employment in California
There are approximately 20,378 Registered Nurses employed across 6 metro areas in California.
Key Industries: Technology, Entertainment & Media, Agriculture
State Income Tax: 1% - 13.3%
Registered Nurse Salary Range in California
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$70,953
Starting salary for new Registered Nurses
Median (50th Percentile)
$109,589
Mid-career Registered Nurse salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$160,674
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in California
Pharmacist
$158,458
avg in CA
+$48,869 vs Registered Nurse
Nurse Practitioner
$147,716
avg in CA
+$38,127 vs Registered Nurse
Dental Hygienist
$105,568
avg in CA
-$4,021 vs Registered Nurse
Licensed Practical Nurse
$70,621
avg in CA
-$38,968 vs Registered Nurse
Nursing Assistant
$44,150
avg in CA
-$65,439 vs Registered Nurse
Registered Nurse Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Registered Nurse salaries in California with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do registered nurses in California earn more than in other states?
California pays RNs more than any other state for several reasons: a high cost of living that lifts base wages, large well-funded health systems (Kaiser Permanente, Sutter, UC Health, Dignity Health) competing for staff, strong unions like the California Nurses Association, and a first-in-the-nation law mandating minimum nurse-to-patient staffing ratios that increases how many nurses hospitals must employ. Together these keep both demand and pay exceptionally high.
Which California cities pay registered nurses the most?
The San Francisco Bay Area pays RNs the most — metros such as San Jose, San Francisco, Sacramento, and Vallejo rank among the highest-paying for nurses in the entire country. Coastal Southern California (Los Angeles and San Diego) also pays well above the national average. Inland areas like the Central Valley and Riverside–San Bernardino pay less in dollars but have a far lower cost of living. See the city-by-city table above for current figures.
Can California RNs earn more than the base salary shown here?
Yes. The figures on this page reflect BLS base wages, but California nurses can substantially increase total pay through overtime, night and weekend shift differentials, and specialty certifications in high-demand areas such as ICU, ER, operating room, and labor and delivery. Travel and per-diem nursing assignments in California can pay even more, though without the same benefits as a staff position.
What license do you need to work as a registered nurse in California?
Registered nurses must hold an active license from the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). That requires completing an approved nursing program (an ADN or BSN), passing the NCLEX-RN exam, and meeting the state’s background and renewal requirements. Many California employers prefer or require a BSN, and a BSN typically opens the door to higher pay and faster advancement.
What is the average Registered Nurse salary in California?
The average Registered Nurse salary in California is $109,589 per year ($52.69/hour) based on 2026 data across 6 metro areas. This is 17.1% above the national average of $93,600.
What is the highest paying city for Registered Nurses in California?
San Jose, CA is the highest paying city for Registered Nurses in California, with a median salary of $130,316 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Riverside, CA at $93,042.
What is the salary range for Registered Nurses in California?
Registered Nurse salaries in California range from $70,953 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $160,674 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $109,589 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within California. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.