Behavioral Health Nurse Salary Guide: California
Average Behavioral Health Nurse Salary
$80.24/hour
The average salary for a Behavioral Health Nurse in California is $80.24 per hour. This is 39% higher than the US average of $49.10.
Last updated on September 3, 2024. Based on active jobs on Vivian.com.
Behavioral Health Nurse salaries in California compared to National Averages
$80.24/hour
California
39% higher than the US average.
$49.10/hour
United States
How does the pay for Behavioral Health Nurses in California compare to nearby states?
Colorado pays Behavioral Health Nurses the most, averaging $58 per hour, followed by Michigan ($50). Michigan has the highest ceiling, with max hourly pay reaching $61. For comparison, the California average for Behavioral Health Nurses is $80 per hour — Colorado pays 28% less.
| Average Hourly Salary | Max Hourly Salary | |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado | $58 | $59 |
| Michigan | $50 | $61 |
What are the highest paying Employers and Agencies for Behavioral Health Nurse jobs in California?
Tenet North Cal pays Behavioral Health Nurses the most, averaging $86 per hour, followed by Community Medical Centers ($58). Tenet North Cal also has the highest ceiling, with max hourly pay reaching $98. For comparison, the California average for Behavioral Health Nurses is $80 per hour — Tenet North Cal pays 7% more.
| Average Hourly Salary | Max Hourly Salary | |
|---|---|---|
| Tenet North Cal | $86 | $98 |
| Community Medical Centers | $58 | $58 |
Last updated on September 3, 2024. Information based on active jobs on Vivian.com and pay data from BLS and around the web.

Behavioral Health Nurse Career Guide
Use our exclusive Career Guides to research the education, qualifications, skills and responsibilities for a variety of healthcare disciplines and specialties employers are hiring now.
Go to the guideTop Behavioral Health Nurse Jobs
Registered Nurse (RN) - Director Behavioral Health
- Doctors Medical Center of Modesto
- Modesto, CA
$76-121/hour
Registered Nurse (RN) - Assistant Director Behavioral Health
- Doctors Medical Center of Modesto
- Modesto, CA
$69-110/hour
Registered Nurse (RN) - Manager, Behavioral Health
- Doctors Medical Center of Modesto
- Modesto, CA
$54-86/hour
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