An RN (Registered Nurse) in California makes an average annual salary of about $124,000 to $137,690 as of 2025, with hourly wages generally ranging from about $60 to over $66 per hour. The median annual salary is around $125,000, with the top 10% earning up to about $165,000 and the lower 10% earning around $78,000 per year. Hourly pay averages around $54 to $66 depending on the source and specific location within California.
Salary Range
- Median annual salary: approx. $125,000
- Average annual salary: about $124,000 to $137,690
- Top 10% annual salary: up to about $165,000
- Bottom 10% annual salary: around $78,000
- Hourly wages: generally $54 to $66, with some sources reporting up to $73 or more per hour
Factors Affecting Salary
- Cost of living in California and unionization contribute to higher salaries.
- Experience, employer type, location within the state, and specialization also affect pay rates.
This makes California one of the highest paying states for registered nurses in the U.S..
