Registered Nurse Salary in California
A registered nurse in California earns an estimated $108,000 a year ($51.92 an hour). Most workers fall from $73,400 to $156,600, depending on experience and employer.
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Registered Nurse pay in California
| Per year | Per hour | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level (estimate) | $73,400 | $35.29 |
| Median (estimate) | $108,000 | $51.92 |
| Experienced (estimate) | $156,600 | $75.29 |
| US national median | $93,600 | $45.00 |
The California estimate is 15% above the national median, reflecting local prices and wages.
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Take-home pay
On the median figure a single filer in California keeps about $79,408 a year after federal tax, FICA and state tax, or $3,054.15 per biweekly paycheck. Try your exact numbers in the California paycheck calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a registered nurse make in California?
About $108,000 a year at the median (estimate).
Is this an official figure?
No. It is an estimate based on the national BLS median and a state wage index. Check BLS OEWS tables for official data.
Sources and method
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Bureau of Economic Analysis: regional price parities
- Estimate, not official state data
Page last updated November 2026. See our editorial policy and disclaimer.