How Much do Registered Nurses Make in California?

How Much do Registered Nurses Make in California? One of the most secure and fulfilling careers in healthcare is that of registered nurses, or RNs. They are in great demand to serve the elderly population and have a high average salary.
In two to four years, nursing students can become registered nurses (RNs), earning more than the average salary in the United States. In the United States, registered nurses make an average of $89,010 a year. Experience, location, and specialized training can all result in salaries above $120,000.
How Much do Registered Nurses Make in California Per Month
Photo credits: Reza Estakhrian, Gettyimages
The average monthly salary for registered nurses in California is $11,110. This amount varies depending on your overall nursing experience, job, and city of residency.
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Registered Nurse Salary by State
The average monthly salary for registered nurses in California is $11,110. This amount varies depending on your overall nursing experience, job, and city of residency.
Registered nurse salary is based on education.
After earning a nursing diploma or a two-year associate degree in nursing (ADN), registered nurses can enter the workforce. The standard is now a four-year Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN). Nurses with a BSN have more employment options and a higher beginning income.
Higher degrees typically translate into higher compensation levels. On average, registered nurses with master’s degrees in nursing (MSN) make $23,000 more than those with bachelor’s degrees. After adjusting for cost of living, the top five states in terms of median annual wage are California, Hawaii, Oregon, Nevada, and Alaska.
Registered Nurse Salary, by State
State
Median Annual Salary
Salary Adjusted for Cost of Living
California
$132,660
$118,658
Hawaii
$120,100
$106,095
Oregon
$106,680
$103,573
Alaska
$102,260
$97,950
Washington
$101,230
$92,957
New York
$100,370
$91,662
District of Columbia
$98,970
$88,922
Massachusetts
$98,520
$92,420
New Jersey
$98,090
$89,908
Connecticut
$95,210
$92,797
Nevada
$94,930
$99,403
Rhode Island
$85,960
$84,192
Minnesota
$84,060
$85,427
Maryland
$83,850
$78,955
Colorado
$82,430
$80,029
Arizona
$82,330
$85,140
Delaware
$82,230
$84,166
New Mexico
$81,990
$91,201
New Hampshire
$80,550
$78,585
Texas
$79,830
$81,046
Wisconsin
$79,750
$85,477
Virginia
$79,700
$77,908
Georgia
$79,440
$82,923
Michigan
$79,180
$83,966
Illinois
$78,980
$77,890
Pennsylvania
$78,740
$81,680
Idaho
$77,940
$84,902
Wyoming
$77,730
$85,044
Florida
$77,710
$76,637
Maine
$77,340
$79,568
Utah
$77,240
$81,649
Vermont
$77,230
$78,247
Ohio
$76,810
$83,038
Montana
$76,550
$83,570
North Carolina
$76,430
$81,482
Kentucky
$75,800
$85,073
South Carolina
$75,610
$80,694
Nebraska
$74,990
$81,688
Oklahoma
$74,520
$82,525
West Virginia
$74,160
$81,674
Indiana
$73,290
$79,061
Louisiana
$73,180
$80,153
Missouri
$71,460
$77,674
North Dakota
$69,640
$76,443
Kansas
$66,460
$72,873
Tennessee
$65,800
$72,387
Iowa
$65,000
$72,545
Arkansas
$64,130
$71,734
Mississippi
$63,330
$73,129
Alabama
$63,090
$71,612
Entry Level RN Salary California
As of June 21, 2025, the average hourly wage for an Entry Level Registered Nurse in California was $30.18.
While ZipRecruiter pays as much as $42.14 and as little as $21.42, the majority of Entry Level Rn salaries in California today range between $26.83 (25th percentile) and $30.84 (75th percentile).
The typical pay range for an Entry Level Rn is wide (up to 4), indicating that there are multiple opportunities for advancement and greater pay based on skill level, location, and years of experience.
According to recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Entry Level Rn job market in California is not extremely active, with few firms now seeking candidates.