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
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
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.