May 2025 BLS data
Registered Nurse salary in California
The median registered nurse in California earns $140,270/year ($67.44/hr) — 44% above the national median.
Median pay
$140,270/yr
Hourly median
$67.44/hr
State rank
#1 of 51
Employed
338,940
Registered Nurse pay percentiles in California
| Percentile | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $48.68 | $101,260 |
| 25th percentile | $58.87 | $122,440 |
| Median (50th) | $67.44 | $140,270 |
| 75th percentile | $83.25 | $173,170 |
| 90th percentile | $102.56 | $213,320 |
The spread is large: top-decile registered nurses in California out-earn the bottom decile by $53.88/hour — experience, certifications, and setting drive most of that gap.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
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What do people in your role actually earn?
Registered Nurses in California earn
$48.68–$102.56 /hour
Median $140,270/year · 338,940 employed
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025
Nearby states compared
Top-paying states for registered nurses
- 1. California$140,270/yr
- 2. Hawaii$136,320/yr
- 3. Oregon$129,010/yr
- 4. Washington$124,200/yr
- 5. Alaska$109,480/yr
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Registered Nurse salaries in every stateFrequently asked questions
How much does a registered nurse make in California?
The median registered nurse in California earns $140,270 per year, or $67.44 per hour, according to May 2025 BLS data. Most earn between $101,260 (10th percentile) and $213,320 (90th percentile).
What is a good registered nurse salary in California?
Top-quartile registered nurses in California earn $173,170 or more per year ($83.25/hr). Reaching that range typically comes from experience, certifications, and higher-paying settings.
How does California compare to other states for registered nurses?
California ranks #1 of 51 states, with a median 44% above the national median of $97,550.
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in California?
Entry-level pay typically falls near the 10th–25th percentile: $101,260–$122,440 per year ($48.68–$58.87/hr) in California.