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 Medical Solutions Direct Hire, paying up to $66/hr. This is 9% lower than the average pay for Registered Nurse roles in California.

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

Palm Springs is currently the highest paying city in California for Registered Nurse jobs, paying up to $76/hr. This is 2% higher than the average pay for Registered Nurse roles in California. Other top paying cities include Bakersfield, paying up to $81/hr, Los Gatos, paying up to $95/hr, and Mountain View, paying up to $95/hr.

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Average Registered Nurse Salary

$72.02/hour

The average salary for a Registered Nurse in California is $72.02 per hour. This is 50% higher than the US average of $36.09.

Last updated on December 31, 2025. Based on active jobs on Vivian.com.

Registered Nurse salaries in California compared to National Averages

$72.02/hour

California

50% higher than the US average.

$36.09/hour

United States

What cities in California pay the most for Registered Nurses?

City	Average Hourly Salary	Max Hourly Salary
Palm Springs, California	$74	$76
Bakersfield, California	$69	$81
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
Campbell, California	$68	$95
Stanford, California	$68	$95

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

Specialty	Average Hourly Salary	Max Hourly Salary
Case Management	$85	$99
Labor and Delivery	$82	$105
Behavioral Health	$80	$120
NICU - Neonatal Intensive Care	$76	$92

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

	Average Hourly Salary	Max Hourly Salary
Oregon	$75	$95
Nevada	$42	$57
Washington	$41	$58
Arizona	$41	$48
Colorado	$38	$44
New Mexico	$35	$46
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
Medical Solutions Direct Hire	$66	$66
Tenet Desert	$64	$89
Adventist Health	$63	$78
Vivian Staff Jobs	$62	$68
Tenet North Cal	$60	$69
CoreCivic	$57	$57
Core Medical-Perm	$57	$57
Community Medical Centers	$52	$55
Insight Global	$45	$45