Registered Nurse Salary Guide: California

Q: What are the highest paying Employers and Agencies for Registered Nurse jobs in California?

The highest paying employer in California for Registered Nurse jobs is Tenet North Cal, paying up to $76/hr. This is 4% higher than the average pay for Registered Nurse roles in California.

Q: What cities in California pay the most for Registered Nurses?

Modesto is currently the highest paying city in California for Registered Nurse jobs, paying up to $90/hr. This is 7% higher than the average pay for Registered Nurse roles in California. Other top paying cities include Palm Springs, paying up to $76/hr, Bakersfield, paying up to $92/hr, and Turlock, paying up to $74/hr.

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Average Registered Nurse Salary

$73.09/hour

The average salary for a Registered Nurse in California is $73.09 per hour. This is 47% higher than the US average of $38.80.

Last updated on December 4, 2025. Based on active jobs on Vivian.com.

Registered Nurse salaries in California compared to National Averages

$73.09/hour

California

47% higher than the US average.

$38.80/hour

United States

What cities in California pay the most for Registered Nurses?

City	Average Hourly Salary	Max Hourly Salary
Modesto, California	$79	$90
Palm Springs, California	$75	$76
Bakersfield, California	$73	$92
Turlock, California	$72	$74
Los Gatos, California	$68	$95
Mountain View, California	$68	$95
Palo Alto, California	$68	$95
San Jose, California	$68	$95
Santa Clara, California	$68	$95

What type of Registered Nurses make the most money in California?

Specialty	Average Hourly Salary	Max Hourly Salary
Utilization Review	$85	$99
Case Management	$85	$99
Telemetry	$84	$120
Behavioral Health	$80	$120
Surgical ICU Stepdown	$80	$105
Labor and Delivery	$79	$105

How does the pay for Registered Nurses in California compare to nearby states?

	Average Hourly Salary	Max Hourly Salary
Oregon	$77	$95
New Mexico	$49	$55
Nevada	$42	$57
Arizona	$42	$47
Washington	$41	$58
Colorado	$38	$40
Idaho	$33	$45
Montana	$33	$44
Utah	$33	$43

What are the highest paying Employers and Agencies for Registered Nurse jobs in California?

	Average Hourly Salary	Max Hourly Salary
Tenet North Cal	$76	$108
Medical Solutions Direct Hire	$66	$66
Adventist Health	$63	$72
Tenet Desert	$63	$98
Community Medical Centers	$58	$113
CoreCivic	$57	$57
Core Medical-Perm	$57	$57