Registered Nurses Salary in California (2025)
✓ Sourced directly from BLS OES · Checked for accuracy at every rebuild · First published: 2026-08-25 · Last updated: 2026-10-25
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Overview
The median wage for registered nurses in California is $140,270 per year (gross, before tax) — 43.8% above the US national median of $97,550 for this occupation. Figures are from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025). Around 339,000 people work in this occupation in California. Negotiating an offer in California? A good salary negotiation guide helps you make the case for the upper percentiles.
California Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual (gross) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $101,260 | Entry level / lowest decile |
| 25th | $122,440 | Early career |
| 50th (median) | $140,270 | Typical pay |
| 75th | $173,170 | Experienced |
| 90th | $213,320 | Senior / highest decile |
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Start $1 Trial →How California Compares
| State | Median salary | vs national |
|---|---|---|
| California | $140,270 | +43.8% |
| Hawaii | $136,320 | +39.7% |
| Oregon | $129,010 | +32.3% |
| Washington | $124,200 | +27.3% |
| Alaska | $109,480 | +12.2% |
| New York | $109,440 | +12.2% |
| New Jersey | $106,500 | +9.2% |
| Massachusetts | $104,550 | +7.2% |
| Nevada | $103,670 | +6.3% |
| Connecticut | $102,740 | +5.3% |
All states for registered nurses →
Recommended Gear & Prep
Interviewing in California? Interview prep books cover the common question sets.
All salaries in California · UK data for this occupation
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a registered nurses in California?
The median salary in California is $140,270 per year (gross, before tax), based on BLS OES May 2025 data. The mean is $150,280.
How does California pay compare to the US national average?
California is 43.8% above the US national median of $97,550 for this occupation.
Data: BLS OES, May 2025 · Page built 2026-10-25