Become a Nurse in California: Requirements, Licensing, and Employment Outlook

California just might be the country’s best state for registered nurses (RNs).

The Golden State boasts a host of top-ranked nursing degree programs and the nation’s highest total employment (332,560) and average annual salary ($137,690) for nurses, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

If you’re thinking about becoming a nurse in California, keep reading to learn more about the educational requirements, licensing process, and career trend lines.

California nurses spend 2-4 years completing nursing coursework and clinical requirements before earning their RN license.

In California, a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) is the most popular nursing degree, followed by an associate degree in nursing (ADN). According to state data, BSN-prepared nurses made up 54% of graduates from California nursing schools between 2020-2022, while ADN-prepared nurses made up 39% of graduates.

As in other states, California’s BRN licenses and regulates nurses and the practice of nursing. They set educational standards for RNs and certify nursing programs in the state. Currently, the BRN approves roughly 140 pre-licensure programs and more than 50 advanced-practice programs.

In addition, the BRN evaluates applicants for California RN licenses. The licensure process ensures that California’s nurses meet educational and examination requirements.

Prospective RNs can find information about current processing times, fees, approved programs and up-to-date licensure information on the BRN website.

California offers two pathways to a nursing license: licensure by examination for new nurses and licensure by endorsement for out-of-state RNs.

With both options, you’ll need to submit nursing school transcripts demonstrating that you meet the state’s educational requirements and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. You’ll also submit an application, undergo a fingerprint background check, and pay application fees.

Your California RN license will remain valid for two years. You’ll receive a renewal reminder through your BreEZe account, a state government services portal that can also help you track renewal requirements.

The cost of a license renewal varies depending on specialization. RNs pay a $190 fee while most advanced practice RNs pay a $150 fee. The state waives renewal fees for public health nurses and mental health nurses.

More than 332,000 RNs work in California, according to 2023 BLS data, which is more than any other state in the country. And California nurses benefit from a strong salary and job outlook.

California ranks as the top-paying state for RNs, with an average annual salary of $137,690 as of May 2023. That’s 46% higher than the national RN average wage of $94,480. (California also routinely ranks among the nation’s top states for cost of living, meaning higher salaries may not necessarily translate to a higher standard of living.)

In fact, the country’s 10 highest-paying metro areas for RNs are all located in California. The Bay Area tops the list with an average salary of $174,370.

Jobs for nurses in California are growing at a faster rate than nationally. Federal projections estimate 11% job growth for RNs in California from 2020-2030, compared with 6% nationally from 2023-2033.

The California Employment Development Department estimates 211,970 job openings for RNs in California from 2020-2030, which means many opportunities for nurses in California.

Did you know that more than 60% of California’s recent nursing program graduates work in hospitals, according to 2023 BRN data? Landing a job at one of California’s top-rated hospitals can be a great way to start your nursing career. U.S. News & World Report ranks these five hospitals as the best hospitals in California when factoring in patient outcomes, nurse staffing, and patient experience.