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Registered Nurses Salary in California
Ranked #1 of 51 · CA
Salary Distribution (10th–90th percentile)
About 80% of registered nursess in California earn between $101,260 and $213,320. The blue band is the middle 50% (P25–P75); the dot marks the median.
Compared to the U.S.
The mean registered nurses salary in California is $150,280, about 48.2% above the U.S. average ($101,420). That works out to roughly $72/hr at 2,080 hours per year.
Metro Areas in California
| Metro area | Median | Mean | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $216,740 | $194,950 | 22,930 |
| Vallejo, CA | $203,290 | $182,820 | 4,120 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $186,610 | $176,900 | 41,750 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | $174,550 | $170,000 | 3,720 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $171,460 | $164,200 | 23,590 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | $170,960 | $159,830 | 1,750 |
| Yuba City, CA | $149,320 | $150,970 | 1,080 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $139,520 | $145,060 | 28,680 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do registered nurses make in California?
The median registered nurses salary in California is $140,270 per year (mean $150,280), and about 80% earn between $101,260 and $213,320.
How much do registered nurses make per hour in California?
Roughly $72 per hour, based on a mean annual wage of $150,280 and 2,080 work hours per year.
Is California a high-paying state for registered nurses?
California ranks #1 of 51 states for registered nurses pay. Its mean salary of $150,280 is about 48.2% above the U.S. average of $101,420.
Which metro areas in California pay registered nurses the most?
The highest-paying metro areas in California for registered nurses are San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($216,740), Vallejo, CA ($203,290), San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA ($186,610), by median annual wage.