Critical Care Nurses Salary in California
Critical Care Nurses in California earn a median of $140,270 a year, +44% compared with the U.S. median. Figures are for the broader BLS group “Registered Nurses”.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $140,270
- vs. U.S. median
- +44% ($97,550)
- Rank among states
- 1 of 51
- Jobs in the state
- 338,940
Pay range in California
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $101,260; the top 10% earn over $213,320. Nationally the range is $68,940 to $137,470.
States ranked near California
Similar jobs in California
- Acute Care Nurses$140,270 median in California (broader BLS group)
- Registered Nurses$140,270 median in California
- Nurse Practitioners$168,520 median in California
- Nurse Midwives$203,840 median in California
- Physician Assistants$165,650 median in California
- Obstetricians and Gynecologists$301,240 median in California
Critical Care Nurses pay in California
How much do critical care nurses make in California?
The median is $140,270 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $101,260 and the top 10% earn over $213,320. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is California a good state for critical care nurses?
On pay alone it ranks 1 of 51 (+44% vs. the national median of $97,550). Living costs are not included.