How Much Does a Clinical Nurse Make in California?

Updated April 01, 2025
As of April 01, 2025, the average annual pay of Clinical Nurse in California is $139,846. While Salary.com is seeing that Clinical Nurse salary in CA can go up to $166,653 or down to $112,519, but most earn between $125,542 and $153,878. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and your experience levels. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
25% $125,542 10% $112,519 90% $166,653 75% $153,878 $139,846 50%(Median)
Related Job Titles to Clinical Nurse
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Similar Job Salaries to Clinical Nurse by Company

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Company average base salary in (usd) range
MFS Talent
Clinical Nurse - OR
$100,319/yr
$90,090
$110,548
RANGE: $90,090 - $110,548
Hoag Hospital Irvine
Clinical Nurse
$93,574/yr
$84,024
$103,125
RANGE: $84,024 - $103,125
Incredible Health
Clinical Nurse
$112,783/yr
$102,455
$123,111
RANGE: $102,455 - $123,111
Long Term Healthcare Facility
Clinical Resource Nurse
$152,336/yr
$133,697
$170,975
RANGE: $133,697 - $170,975
Hoag Health System
CLINICAL NURSE - LABOR AND DELIVERY
$92,411/yr
$82,908
$101,914
RANGE: $82,908 - $101,914
Loma Linda Medical Center System
Clinical Nurse B-BMC
$96,002/yr
$86,224
$105,781
RANGE: $86,224 - $105,781
Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Hospital
Clinical Mental Health Nurse
$87,541/yr
$78,651
$96,430
RANGE: $78,651 - $96,430
Voca
Clinical Nurse Specialist - Travel
$130,538/yr
$117,006
$144,070
RANGE: $117,006 - $144,070
Hoag Health System
CLINICAL NURSE I - CCU
$102,007/yr
$91,599
$112,414
RANGE: $91,599 - $112,414
Health eCareers
Clinical Nurse Specialist - CVICU
$152,030/yr
$136,270
$167,789
RANGE: $136,270 - $167,789

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Top 10 Highest Paying Cities For Clinical Nurse Jobs in California

It is important to understand how location impacts your career prospects in the United States. There are some cities where a Clinical Nurse can find a job easily with a greater salary paid then achieve a higher standard of living. Below is the top cities list for Clinical Nurse job salaries in California. Some cities can pay higher salaries for Clinical Nurse jobs, which can indicate that there is a large demand for Clinical Nurse positions in this city.
The following table shows top 10 cities where the Clinical Nurse salary is higher than other cities in California. San Jose takes first place in this list, followed by Santa Clara, Fremont. The Clinical Nurse salary is $159,916 in San Jose, which is higher than the national average. There are 76 cities' Clinical Nurse salary higher than national average in California.
The average salary for a Clinical Nurse in California is $139,846, but we found that the city with the highest salary for Clinical Nurse jobs is San Jose, CA, and it is higher than Santa Clara. Clinical Nurse jobs in San Jose can have the opportunity to earn higher salaries than in other cities in California.
CITY ANNUAL SALARY MONTHLY PAY WEEKLY PAY HOURLY WAGE
San Jose $159,916 $13,326 $3,075 $77
Santa Clara $159,916 $13,326 $3,075 $77
Fremont $159,612 $13,301 $3,069 $77
San Francisco $158,344 $13,195 $3,045 $76
Daly City $158,344 $13,195 $3,045 $76
Berkeley $154,832 $12,903 $2,978 $74
Oakland $154,832 $12,903 $2,978 $74
Hayward $154,578 $12,882 $2,973 $74
Antioch $146,084 $12,174 $2,809 $70
Vallejo $142,635 $11,886 $2,743 $69

What Does a Clinical Nurse Do?

Clinical nurse specialists must complete specific credentials before they can practice professionally.
Updated December 09, 2021
A clinical nursing specialist certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses.
Updated November 10, 2021
To obtain licensure as a clinical nurse specialist, individuals must pursue a BSN from a regionally accredited college or university.
Updated November 04, 2021
Clinical nurse specialists are responsible for applying expert knowledge and experience to a specific patient population, such as adult acute and critical care, in a clinical setting.
Updated October 30, 2021
In contrast with nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists often function as educators and consultants to the nursing staff and as experts on ensuring evidence-based practice and quality patient outcomes.
Updated October 11, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions About a Clinical Nurse Salaries

What is the average of a Clinical Nurse in California?

The Clinical Nurse salary range is from $125,542 to $153,878, and the average Clinical Nurse salary is $139,846/year in California. The Clinical Nurse's salary will change in different locations.

Which location pays the highest Clinical Nurse salary in the United States?

The Clinical Nurse salary in San Jose, CA is $159,916 which is the highest in the US.

What kinds of reasons will influence the Clinical Nurse's salary?

Besides the location, employees' education degree, related skills, and work experience also will influence the salary. Try to improve your skills and experience to get a higher salary for the position of Clinical Nurse.

What is the growth rate of the Clinical Nurse's salary?

If you are thinking of becoming a Clinical Nurse or planning the next step in your career, find the detailed salary report of a Clinical Nurse.