Registered nurse salary in California
The median registered nurse in California earned $140,270 a year in 2025, $42,720 (44%) above the $97,550 national median. That ranks 1st of 51 states, the highest in the country.
- Median yearly pay
- $140,270
- Average yearly pay
- $150,280
- Employed in California
- 338,940
How California compares
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, state estimates. Pay is before tax and does not adjust for cost of living, which is higher in some states than others.
Nursing pay in California
| Role | Median yearly pay | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Registered nurse | $140,270 | 338,940 |
| LPN or LVN | $79,750 | 82,850 |
| Nurse practitioner | $168,520 | 25,120 |
A nurse practitioner in California earns a median $28,250 more than a registered nurse ($168,520 against $140,270). A registered nurse earns a median $60,520 more than an LPN or LVN here ($140,270 against $79,750).
Next steps
Common questions
How much does a registered nurse make in California?
The median is $140,270 a year, according to BLS data for May 2025. Half of registered nurses in California earn more and half earn less.
Is California a high-paying state for registered nurses?
California ranks 1st of 51 states on median pay for this job. The national median is $97,550, so California pays 44% above it. The highest median is $140,270 in California.
How many registered nurses work in California?
BLS counted 338,940 registered nurses employed in California in May 2025.
Why is the average different from the median?
The median is the middle wage: half of workers earn less. The average adds every wage and divides, so a few very high earners pull it up. In California the average is $150,280, $10,010 above the median.
What do you need to work as a registered nurse in California?
California requires an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing and a passing NCLEX-RN score, with a license from the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN).