How much does a Registered Nurses make in California?
Last updated: 2024 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or registration required.
Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor
Salaries for Registered Nurses in California range from $83,510 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $194,240 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $105,390 and $168,280.
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $83,510 | $40.15 | $6,959 |
| 25th Percentile | $105,390 | $50.67 | $8,782 |
| Median (50th) | $133,990 | $64.42 | $11,165 |
| 75th Percentile | $168,280 | $80.90 | $14,023 |
| 90th Percentile (Experienced) | $194,240 | $93.38 | $16,186 |
Note: The mean (average) salary of $137,690 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
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What does this salary really buy? See Registered Nurses salary in California adjusted for cost of living →
How much do you actually take home? See Registered Nurses take-home pay in California after taxes →
Compare Registered Nurses pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2024 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS