Intro
Discover the average salary for nurses in California. Learn about the factors influencing nurse salaries, including location, experience, and specialty. Get the latest data on RN, NP, and LPN salaries in CA, and find out how much you can expect to earn as a nurse in the Golden State.
California is known for being one of the most populous and economically vibrant states in the United States, and its healthcare industry is no exception. As a result, nursing professionals in California are in high demand, and their salaries reflect this. In this article, we will explore the average salary of nurses in California, the factors that influence their pay, and the various nursing specialties and their corresponding salaries.

The average salary of a nurse in California varies depending on factors such as location, level of experience, education, and specialty. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for registered nurses (RNs) in California was $113,240 in May 2020. This is significantly higher than the national average of $76,840.
Factors Affecting Nurse Salaries in California
Several factors contribute to the salary of nurses in California. Some of the most significant factors include:
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Location
* Nurses working in urban areas such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego tend to earn higher salaries than those working in rural areas. * Cities with a high cost of living, such as San Francisco and Los Angeles, often have higher salaries to compensate for the increased cost of living. -
Level of Experience
* More experienced nurses tend to earn higher salaries than those just starting their careers. * Nurses with specialized skills or certifications, such as critical care or pediatrics, may also command higher salaries. -
Education
* Nurses with higher levels of education, such as a Bachelor's or Master's degree, tend to earn higher salaries than those with an Associate's degree or diploma. * Nurses with advanced degrees, such as a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP), may also earn higher salaries. -
Specialty
* Different nursing specialties have varying salary ranges. For example, nurse anesthetists tend to earn higher salaries than nurse educators.
Nursing Specialties and Salaries in California
Here are some average salary ranges for various nursing specialties in California:
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Registered Nurses (RNs)
* Median annual salary: $113,240 * Starting salary: around $80,000 * Experienced salary: around $140,000 -
Nurse Practitioners (NPs)
* Median annual salary: $124,840 * Starting salary: around $90,000 * Experienced salary: around $160,000 -
Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs)
* Median annual salary: $114,610 * Starting salary: around $80,000 * Experienced salary: around $140,000 -
Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs)
* Median annual salary: $193,840 * Starting salary: around $140,000 * Experienced salary: around $220,000 -
Nurse Educators
* Median annual salary: $94,840 * Starting salary: around $60,000 * Experienced salary: around $120,000

Salary Ranges by City in California
Here are some average salary ranges for nurses in major cities in California:
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Los Angeles
* RNs: $110,000 - $150,000 * NPs: $120,000 - $170,000 * CNMs: $100,000 - $140,000 -
San Francisco
* RNs: $120,000 - $160,000 * NPs: $140,000 - $190,000 * CNMs: $110,000 - $150,000 -
San Diego
* RNs: $100,000 - $140,000 * NPs: $120,000 - $160,000 * CNMs: $90,000 - $130,000 -
Sacramento
* RNs: $90,000 - $130,000 * NPs: $110,000 - $150,000 * CNMs: $80,000 - $120,000

Conclusion
Nurses in California are among the highest-paid in the country, with salaries ranging from around $80,000 to over $200,000 depending on experience, education, and specialty. Factors such as location, level of experience, education, and specialty all play a significant role in determining a nurse's salary in California. By understanding these factors and the various salary ranges for different nursing specialties, nurses can make informed decisions about their careers and plan for a successful and rewarding future in the nursing profession.
What is the average salary of a nurse in California?
+The average salary of a nurse in California varies depending on factors such as location, level of experience, education, and specialty. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for registered nurses (RNs) in California was $113,240 in May 2020.
What are the highest-paying nursing specialties in California?
+Nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) tend to be the highest-paying nursing specialty in California, with median annual salaries ranging from $140,000 to over $220,000. Other high-paying specialties include nurse practitioners (NPs) and certified nurse midwives (CNMs).
How do salaries for nurses in California compare to the national average?
+Nurses in California tend to earn higher salaries than the national average. According to the BLS, the median annual salary for RNs in California was $113,240 in May 2020, compared to the national average of $76,840.