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Registered Nurse Licensing in California

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for registered nurse in California, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Registered Nurse in California

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Register with licensing agency
  • Education: Varies by state board
  • Examination: State-approved exam
  • Application Fee: See agency

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Consumer Affairs • Board of Registered Nursing

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $140,330 median (50% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #1 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
  2. 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
  4. 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.

Salary Insights in California

With a median salary of 140,330, Registered Nurses in California earn 50% above the national median of $93,600. California ranks #1 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,758

Median annual salary

$140,330

Hourly estimate

$67.47
50% above national median

Difference: +$46,730

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$100,120
  • P2525th percentile$119,710
  • P50Median$140,330
  • P7575th percentile$172,200
  • P9090th percentile$208,880

State vs National Median

State: $140,330
National: $93,600

Total employment: 326,720 | Annual openings: N/A

Registered Nurse Salary Ranking

#1 of 50 statesfor Registered Nurse median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California140,330
#2Hawaii136,320
#3Oregon123,990
#4Washington112,180
#5Alaska110,690

Nearby States Comparison

Registered Nurse licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
California$140,330Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Oregon$123,990Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Nevada$101,990Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Arizona$96,890Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
California78HighBoard-specific review required.
Oregon78HighBoard-specific review required.
Nevada50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Arizona78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Department of Consumer Affairs • Board of Registered Nursing

P.O. Box 944210, Sacramento, CA, 94244-2100

Phone: 9163223350

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in California

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Audiologist$123,600Varies by state board6-24 months
Chiropractor$85,080Varies by state board6-24 months
Clinical Lab Technologist$71,920Varies by state board6-24 months
Dental Assistant$48,910Varies by state board6-24 months

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Registered Nurse in California?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What is the typical Registered Nurse salary in California?

The median annual salary for Registered Nurses in California is 140,330. Salaries range from $100,120 (10th percentile) to $208,880 (90th percentile).

How does the Registered Nurse salary in California compare to the national average?

Registered Nurses in California earn 50% above the national median of $93,600, with a state median of 140,330.

How many Registered Nurses work in California?

California employs approximately 326,720 Registered Nurses according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Registered Nurse license to California from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Registered Nurses in California?

The licensing agency is Department of Consumer Affairs / Board of Registered Nursing. Review agency details at https://www.rn.ca.gov/.