Registered Nurse Salaries in California — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026Registered Nurses in California earn an average of $140,330 per year ($67.47/hr) according to the latest BLS data. The state currently employs around 326,720 registered nurses.
Registered Nurse salaries in California are above the national average by approximately $50,154. California has the highest state income tax rate in the US at up to 13.3%.
Tech-driven growth and high cost of living combine to push registered nurse pay higher in California.
California Registered Nurse Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in California after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. California has the highest state income tax rate in the US at up to 13.3%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. California has the highest state income tax rate in the US at up to 13.3%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — California Registered Nurse Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the California median of $140,330.
Registered Nurse Salary by Experience — California
Registered Nurse Salary Trend in California — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataRegistered Nurse salaries in California have grown an estimated 13.9% over the past five years, reflecting broader workforce and economic conditions. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in California's healthcare and hospitals.
Registered Nurse Salary by City — California
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $155,750 | $74.88 | +11.0% | 114,352 |
| San Francisco | $148,750 | $71.51 | +6.0% | 91,481 |
| San Diego | $144,550 | $69.50 | +3.0% | 58,809 |
| San Jose | $134,700 | $64.76 | -4.0% | 29,404 |
| Sacramento | $127,700 | $61.39 | -9.0% | 19,603 |
| Fresno | $122,100 | $58.70 | -13.0% | 13,068 |
Tip: Los Angeles offers the highest registered nurse salaries in California at $155,750/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
California vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, California sits in the mid-range for registered nurses.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. California has the highest state income tax rate in the US at up to 13.3%.
Registered Nurse Job Outlook in California
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for registered nurses in California is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the California job market. Tech-driven growth and high cost of living combine to push registered nurse pay higher in California.
How to Earn More as a Registered Nurse in California
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a registered nurse in California typically adds $115,100 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Board of Nursing can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Los Angeles pays registered nurses $155,750/yr — +11.0% above the California average. Simply relocating within California can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Registered Nurses who specialise in healthcare and hospitals typically command premium rates in California. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Oregon pays registered nurses $123,990/yr — -11.6% vs California.
Find Registered Nurse Jobs in California
Live ListingsSearch current registered nurse job vacancies in California:
🔍 Registered Nurse jobs in California — Indeed→ 🔍 Registered Nurse jobs in California — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Registered Nurse jobs — Los Angeles, CA→