How Much Does a Lead Registered Nurse make?

Lead Registered Nurse made a median salary around $139,509 in March, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $153,620 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $127,119. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
25% $127,119 10% $115,838 90% $166,467 75% $153,620 $139,509 50%(Median)
Check out Lead Registered Nurse jobs in California

Registered Nurse

Fresenius - EL MONTE, CA

Registered Nurse

Emanuel Medical Ctr - TURLOCK, CA

Registered Nurse

John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital - INDIO, CA

Registered Nurse

Doctors Medical Center of Modesto - MODESTO, CA

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Best-Paying Cities for Lead Registered Nurse

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Lead Registered Nurse profession are San Jose , Santa Clara , Saratoga , Sunnyvale , Los Gatos .
San Jose, CA $158,734
Santa Clara, CA $158,734
Saratoga, CA $158,734
Sunnyvale, CA $158,734
Los Gatos, CA $158,734

Best-Paying States for Lead Registered Nurse

The states and districts that pay Lead Registered Nurse the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $140,774) , California (around $139,509) , New Jersey (around $138,624) , Alaska (around $137,738) , and Massachusetts (around $137,612) .
District of Columbia $140,774
California $139,509
New Jersey $138,624
Alaska $137,738
Massachusetts $137,612

What is the Career Path of Lead Registered Nurse?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For Lead Registered Nurse, the upper level is Nursing Director , and then progresses to Head of Nursing
Besides, Lead Registered Nurse can also turn to other related jobs, including Registered Nurse Lead , Registered Nurse Team Lead , Registered Nurse and Psychiatric Unit Nurse Lead .

Frequently Asked Questions for Lead Registered Nurse

Q: What is the salary range of Lead Registered Nurse in California?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Lead Registered Nurse in California earned an average annual salary of $127,119 , while the highest-paid made $153,620.
Q: What is the salary for a Lead Registered Nurse in California?
A: Lead Registered Nurse employed in California earned an average salary of $139,509 in 2025.

Average Lead Registered Nurse Pay vs. Other Jobs

Lead Registered Nurse earned an average salary of $139,509 in 2025. Other jobs related to Lead Registered Nurse earned the following average salary in March, 2025. Registered Nurse Lead made $139,509 , Registered Nurse Team Lead made $139,509 , Registered Nurse and Psychiatric Unit Nurse Lead made $92,783 and $126,700 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Lead Registered Nurse

Registered Nurse Lead - Average Salary $139,509
There is currently no job description for Registered Nurse Lead, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Registered Nurse Lead.
Registered Nurse Team Lead - Average Salary $139,509
There is currently no job description for Registered Nurse Team Lead, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Registered Nurse Team Lead.
Registered Nurse - Average Salary $92,783
There is currently no job description for Registered Nurse, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Registered Nurse.
Psychiatric Unit Nurse Lead - Average Salary $126,700
The Psychiatric Unit Nurse Lead monitors workflow and delegates responsibilities to auxiliary and psychiatric staff nurses. Directs nursing service activities for assigned patients in the psychiatric unit. Being a Psychiatric Unit Nurse Lead audits staff performance to continuously improve the quality of psychiatric care. Ensures psychiatric patient clinical records are maintained in compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements. In addition, Psychiatric Unit Nurse Lead monitors services rendered to ensure effective care. Maintains pre-set inventory levels for solutions, supplies, medicines, and equipment. Monitors, reports, tracks, and discloses the use of narcotics according to FDA requirements. Researches new technology or treatments to expand care options and services. Requires a master's degree. Requires Registered Nurse (RN). Typically reports to a director. The Psychiatric Unit Nurse Lead manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Working as a Psychiatric Unit Nurse Lead typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1-3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.
Telemedicine Registered Nurse - Average Salary $106,647
Telemedicine Registered Nurse provides and manages care for patients remotely using telemedicine technology and tools. Follows nursing protocols in assessing patient condition, identifying needs, and answering patient questions. Being a Telemedicine Registered Nurse collaborates with physicians to assess and direct patients to the appropriate level of medical care delivery. Utilizes video conferencing, mobile health applications, and remote patient monitoring devices to collect and record health data. Additionally, Telemedicine Registered Nurse requires a bachelor's degree in nursing. Requires Registered Nurse (RN). Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. The Telemedicine Registered Nurse work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. To be a Telemedicine Registered Nurse typically requires 4 -7 years of related experience.