Registered Nurse salary in California
Registered nurses in California earn a median $140,270 a year, 44% above the national median of $97,550. That ranks #1 of 51 states. After taxes, a single filer keeps about $96,517.
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, SOC 29-1141. Taxes for tax year 2026.
| Yearly | Monthly | Every 2 weeks | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $140,270 | $11,689 | $5,395 | $67.44 |
| Average pay | $150,280 | $12,523 | $5,780 | $72.25 |
| Take-home (median) | $96,517 | $8,043 | $3,712 | $46.40 |
Where the money goes
| Item | Per year |
|---|---|
| Federal income tax | $22,399 |
| Social Security and Medicare | $10,731 |
| California income tax and state programs | $10,624 |
| Take-home | $96,517 |
California's prices are 11% above the U.S. average, so the median take-home buys what $87,172 buys in an average-priced state. The California minimum wage is $16.90; the median registered nurse earns 4.0 times that.
Registered Nurse pay in California vs. neighboring states
| State | Median salary | Take-home | Buying power |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $140,270 | $96,517 | $87,172 |
| Arizona | $99,500 | $76,743 | $76,227 |
| Nevada | $103,670 | $81,762 | $81,779 |
| Oregon | $129,010 | $88,070 | $85,206 |
Frequently asked questions
- How much do registered nurses make in California?
- The median salary is $140,270 a year ($67.44 an hour), and the average is $150,280, per BLS data for May 2025.
- How much do registered nurses take home in California?
- About $96,517 a year after federal and California taxes, or $3,712 every two weeks, for a single filer at the median salary.
- Do registered nurses earn more in California than the national average?
- California ranks #1 of 51 for median pay, 44% above the U.S. median of $97,550. Adjusted for prices and taxes it ranks #2.