California requires a state-level registered nurse license. The licensing authority is California Board of Registered Nursing. The median salary is $124,000 per year.
Last updated 2026-05-08
California requires a registered nurse to hold a state license. Provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients about health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support. Licensing is administered by the California Board of Registered Nursing.
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Education | Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) |
| Experience Details | Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) |
California requires passing the California Registered Nurse Exam with a minimum score of 70%. The application fee is $200.
| Exam Name | California Registered Nurse Exam |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Code Edition | NCLEX-RN Examination |
| Application Fee | $200 |
Getting licensed as a registered nurse in California takes 12 months on the typical path. Here are the steps.
The total cost includes an exam application fee of $200 and renewal fees of $200 every 2 years. Continuing education of 24 hours is required per renewal cycle.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Exam Application | $200 |
| License Renewal | $200 every 2 years |
| Continuing Education | 24 hours |
Registered Nurses in California earn a median salary of $124,000, which is less than the national average. Data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
| Mean (average) | — / year |
| Entry level (10th pct) | — |
| Top earners (90th pct) | — |
| Total employed | — in California |
| National average | $89,010 |
Yes — California requires a state-level registered nurse license. Provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients about health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support.
The required exam is the California Registered Nurse Exam. You need a score of 70% to pass. The exam fee is $200.
The median annual salary for registered nurses in California is $124,000. The national median is $89,010.
California requires 24 hours of continuing education for license renewal every 2 years.
The fastest path takes approximately 6 months. The typical path takes 12 months including experience requirements.