California Nurses Association (CNA): Founded in 1903, this association serves registered nurses in California with a strong emphasis on professional practice, collective voice, patient-safety issues and policy advocacy. Membership offers access to professional development opportunities and advocacy for issues like safe staffing ratios.
Registered Nurse Career and Degree Guide
By: All Nursing Schools Staff
How much do RNs make in California?
Registered nurses in California are among the highest-paid in the nation, reflecting both the state’s strong demand for healthcare professionals and its high cost of living. With a wide range of practice settings—from major hospital systems and outpatient clinics to schools and community health centers—California offers nurses competitive wages and diverse opportunities to advance their careers. Salaries can vary based on factors such as location, experience, education level (such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or an Associate Degree in Nursing) and specialty, but overall, the state remains one of the most financially rewarding places to work as an RN.
California’s favorable career landscape for nurses is due to several reasons, including:
- High earning potential: California consistently ranks at the top for RN pay, with average salaries well above the national average according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Competitive wages help offset the state’s higher cost of living and reward nurses for their education and expertise.
- Strong workplace protections: California has some of the most progressive labor laws and nurse-to-patient ratio regulations in the country. These policies help ensure safer working conditions, reduce burnout and improve patient care quality.
- Diverse job opportunities: From major hospital systems and research centers to community clinics and tech-driven telehealth roles, California offers nurses a wide range of employment options and specialties to explore.
- High job demand: Ongoing nursing shortages in California indicates strong job security for nurses. Plus as the population ages and healthcare needs rise, demand for more nurses should follow suit.
In this Article
Quick view | Top employers | Salary statistics | Education requirements | Cost of living considerations | Professional resources in CA
Snapshot of registered nurse salaries in CA
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are about 332,560 people employed as RNs in California, the most out of any state in the country. The median wage per hour is $67, much higher than the national average of $45 an hour. The forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 4.9%.
Top RN employers in California
Some of the largest employers of RNs in the state of California include:
- Kaiser Permanente, Statewide with major hubs in Los Angeles, Oakland, San Diego, San Francisco and Sacramento:
Kaiser Permanente is the largest private employer in the state with over 180,000 employees in total serving over 9.5 million Californians.- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles and vicinity:
Cedars‑Sinai is a major nonprofit academic health system based in Los Angeles, widely recognized for its high-quality clinical care, research and nursing excellence. As of fiscal year 2023, Cedars-Sinai reports approximately 15,000 full-time employees, including about 4,400 registered nurses.- Sutter Health, Primarily in Northern California–Sacramento, San Francisco, Santa Rosa and Modesto:
Sutter Health is a large nonprofit integrated healthcare system headquartered in Sacramento that operates hospitals, outpatient clinics, surgery centers and home health services across Northern and Central California. The organization employs more than 57,000 people in California, including over 15,000 nurses, making it one of the state’s major employers in the nursing and healthcare sector.- Dignity Health (Part of CommonSpirit Health), Throughout California with notable hubs in Sacramento, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Bakersfield:
Dignity Health is a major nonprofit health system operating across California, Arizona and Nevada, delivering both acute hospital and outpatient care through a network of hospitals, clinics and surgical centers.- UC Health (University of California Health System), Campuses in San Francisco (UCSF), Los Angeles (UCLA), Davis (UC Davis), Irvine (UC Irvine) and La Jolla (UC San Diego):
University of California Health (UCH) is the academic health system affiliated with the University of California, operating six major medical centers and numerous clinics across the state. It employs nearly 200,000 Californians, making it one of the largest healthcare employers in the state.
RN salary stats for California
The median annual salary for registered nurses in California is well above the national median. In fact, California ranks as the highest paying state for RNs in the nation. However, it’s important to keep in mind that salaries vary based on factors like experience, education, employer and specific location within the state.
Registered Nurses
10%$100,120
25%$119,710
50%$140,330Median
75%$172,200
90%$208,880
Median Hourly Wage$67
Job growth4.9%
Total Employment326,720
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $208,940 | $126,150 | $226,240 |
| Vallejo, CA | $192,470 | $109,650 | $234,910 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $188,020 | $120,210 | $221,890 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | $178,900 | $97,560 | $203,410 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | $172,390 | $105,140 | $219,220 |
| Modesto, CA | $169,460 | $104,210 | $202,710 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $169,210 | $104,100 | $211,220 |
| Yuba City, CA | $144,220 | $96,450 | $172,200 |
| Chico, CA | $141,720 | $99,360 | $162,720 |
| Salinas, CA | $135,080 | $98,590 | $174,680 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2024 median salary; projected job growth through 2034. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Salary ranges for California nurses
The BLS reports that the salary range for RNs in California typically spans from $100,120 for the lowest 10% of RNs to $208,880 for the top 10% of RNs per year. This pay range covers both newcomers to the profession and experienced RNs in more advanced roles—such as educators, managers and more—reflecting the many factors that influence compensation.
Employment of RNs by metro area
The BLS tracks salaries and employment by metropolitan areas—naturally, large cities typically employ more nurses than smaller towns. The Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA metropolitan area ranks number two for highest employment in the U.S. Here are metropolitan areas by employment level:
And the top 10 metro areas nationwide for RN pay. As you can see, California dominates the list:
California salary growth and job outlook
The BLS predicts an overall 4.9% job growth for registered nurses in California through 2034. The job outlook for nurses in California is strong, driven by a combination of nursing shortages, retirement trends and the state’s expanding healthcare needs. California’s growth is expected to be even more pronounced than the national job growth rate reported by the BLS due to state-specific factors.
For instance, the state’s legally mandated nurse-to-patient ratios means there is a maximum number of patients that an RN can be responsible for. This means healthcare employers must hire more nurses to be compliant with the law.
California RN education requirements
To become a nurse in California, students must complete an accredited nursing program, meet California’s Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) standards and pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
Here are the basic steps. Be sure to consult the BRN for full details:
- Earn a high school diploma or GED: This is the minimum requirement to apply for a nursing program.
- Enroll in an accredited nursing program: Students must complete an accredited nursing program. Students can choose from an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Entry Level Masters Program in Nursing (ELM), LVN-to-RN program or a qualifying military corpsmen route.
- Gain clinical experience: Students must complete a certain number of clinical practice hours as part of their nursing program. These hours are mandated by the BRN and allow students to gain hands-on experience in a supervised healthcare setting. In most cases, students will complete their clinical training throughout their degree program.
- Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam: After completing their education, graduates must take and pass the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) to become a licensed RN in California.
- Maintain your license. California RNs must complete 30 continuing education units (CEUs) every two years in order to renew their license and keep it active.
Other state-specific requirements
- Program must be approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN):
- All nursing programs must be state-approved by the BRN and meet California’s specific quality and curriculum standards.
- Complete a background check and fingerprinting:
- Before taking the NCLEX-RN exam, students must submit fingerprints and complete a criminal background check. Any past legal issues could affect eligibility for licensure.
- Register for a BreEZe account:
- In order to apply for licensure, you must register for a BreEZe account online, the Department of Consumer Affairs’ licensing and enforcement system.
Cost of living in California
The cost of living in California is among the highest in the United States, driven largely by housing, transportation, and taxes. Areas like the Bay Area, Los Angeles and San Diego consistently rank at the top for living expenses, with median home prices and rent rates far above the national average. In fact, the overall cost of living in California is 50% higher than the national average according to RentCafe.
For registered nurses, understanding these costs is essential when evaluating salary offers and job opportunities. While California nurses earn some of the highest wages in the country, those earnings must often stretch further to cover everyday expenses. Factoring in regional differences—such as higher pay in urban areas versus lower costs in rural parts of the state—can help nurses make informed decisions about where to live and work while maintaining a comfortable standard of living. Areas in California with a more reasonable cost of living compared the rest of the state include places like Redding, Bakersfield and Palm Springs.
Take a look at some of the most populous California cities and how their cost of living compares to the national average according to RentCafe:
| CA city | Cost of living compared to nation |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles | 49% higher |
| San Diego | 45% higher |
| San Jose | 81% higher |
| San Francisco | 67% higher |
| Sacramento | 29% higher |
Professional resources for California nurses
Professional associations and industry groups are important resources for nurses. Joining these organizations can provide access to exclusive networking events, mentorship programs, continuing education opportunities and healthcare insights shared through publications, online communities and digital platforms. The groups listed below are particularly relevant to nurses based in California.
American Nurses Association–California (ANA-California): This state‐level chapter of the ANA provides advocacy, resources and networking opportunities for nurses across California. Membership gives access to legislative updates, training to bolster your voice in policy and healthcare issues and connection with nurse leaders.
Association of California Nurse Leaders (ACNL): This organization is targeted toward nurses in leadership and management roles. Its mission includes advancing professional practice, influencing health policy and promoting quality and patient safety. Great for RNs who are moving into supervisory, administrative or strategic roles.
California School Nurses Organization (CSNO): If you’re a nurse working in or interested in the school health setting (K-12), this organization supports school nurses in California. It offers professional development, legislative advocacy relevant to school health and a community of peers.
This overview of registered nurse salaries in California is meant to help you understand what to expect when it comes to pay in one of the state’s most vital and rewarding healthcare professions. Beyond offering competitive wages, nursing in California provides a strong job outlook with steady demand driven by an aging population, healthcare expansion and ongoing workforce shortages. Whether you’re just beginning your nursing education or looking to advance into leadership or specialty roles, understanding the state’s salary landscape can help you make informed decisions about where to work, how to grow professionally and what kind of earning potential to aim for as you build your career.