How to Become a Registered Nurses in California
Registered Nurses in California earn a median salary of $140,330/year, which is 50% above the national average. California has a state income tax of ~6.5%. After taxes and rent, a registered nurses takes home approximately $6,711/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.
What a registered nurses can afford in California
Becoming a registered nurses in California
Meet education requirements
Registered Nurses positions in California typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across California. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
This career typically involves none in California. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain California licensure or certification
California may require specific licensing or professional certification for registered nursess. Requirements vary by state — contact the California Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in California
California employs 326,720 registered nurses. The highest concentrations are in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara and Vallejo.
Registered Nurses salary by metro area in California
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $209K | $100.45/hr | 21,460 |
| Vallejo | $192K | $92.53/hr | 4,410 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | $188K | $90.4/hr | 40,750 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville | $179K | $86.01/hr | 1,610 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma | $172K | $82.88/hr | 3,770 |
| Modesto | $169K | $81.47/hr | 5,260 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom | $169K | $81.35/hr | 23,400 |
| Yuba City | $144K | $69.34/hr | 1,070 |
| Chico | $142K | $68.14/hr | 2,490 |
| Salinas | $135K | $64.94/hr | 3,060 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | $133K | $64.17/hr | 3,140 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles | $133K | $64.17/hr | 1,950 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | $133K | $64.16/hr | 107,340 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | $133K | $63.99/hr | 27,660 |
| Stockton-Lodi | $132K | $63.39/hr | 5,100 |
Registered Nurses salary range in California
Registered Nurses careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a registered nurses make in California?▼
The median registered nurses salary in California is $140,330 per year ($67.47/hr). This is 50% above the national median of $93,600. Salaries range from $100,120 to $208,880.
What are the requirements to become a registered nurses in California?▼
Registered Nurses positions in California typically require Bachelor's degree. California may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the California licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a registered nurses afford to live in California?▼
At the median salary of $140,330, a registered nurses in California would take home approximately $8,123/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 17.4% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for registered nurses in California?▼
The highest paying metro areas for registered nurses in California are San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara ($208,940), Vallejo ($192,470), San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont ($188,020). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does California have state income tax for registered nurses?▼
Yes, California has a state income tax rate of approximately 6.5%. On a $140,330 salary, this means roughly $9,188/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.