As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Forensic Nurse - RN in California is $111,283 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $54.
However, a Forensic Nurse - RN's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Forensic Nurse - RN Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $123,246 | $10,271 | $2,370 | $59 |
| Average | $111,283 | $9,274 | $2,140 | $54 |
| 25th Percentile | $100,739 | $8,395 | $1,937 | $48 |
OneStaffMedical - Spring Valley Lake, CA
OneStaffMedical - Inglewood, CA
OneStaffMedical - Barona Rancheria, CA
OneStaffMedical - Keswick, CA
A Forensic Nurse - RN's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Forensic Nurse - RNs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
Forensic Nurse - RN salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $118,192. While startup companies pay approximate $100,666.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $100,666 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $106,277 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $114,332 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $118,192 |
For Forensic Nurse - RN roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 30% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Government & Nonprofit, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Forensic Nurse - RN positions in Edu., Government & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Forensic Nurse - RN as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government & Nonprofit | $133,540 | $64.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $122,412 | $59.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Forensic Nurse - RN's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $123,246 | $10,271 | $2,370 | $59 |
| Average | $111,283 | $9,274 | $2,140 | $54 |
| 25th Percentile | $100,739 | $8,395 | $1,937 | $48 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Forensic Nurse - RN, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Maternity Services Director | $178,689 | 61% |
| Head of Intensive Care Unit | $170,001 | 53% |
| Staff Nurse - RN I | $81,190 | -27% |
| Transplant Nurse Coordinator | $121,415 | 9% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Forensic Nurse - RN job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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