Registered Nurses Salary in Salinas, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Salinas, CA

Median annual salary $135,080 +44.3% vs national
Median hourly $64.94
10th percentile $98,590
90th percentile $174,680
Employed locally 3,060
National median $93,600

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Registered Nurses
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    In Salinas, CA, registered nurses earn a median annual salary of $135,080, which significantly surpasses the local area's median household income of $94,486. This substantial difference highlights that registered nursing is one of the higher-paying professions in the region. Additionally, compared to the national median for registered nurses at $93,600, Salinas offers a markedly higher earning potential. The median hourly rate for this occupation in Salinas stands at $64.94, reinforcing its status as a lucrative career choice within the local job market.

    The earnings of registered nurses in Salinas vary considerably depending on their experience level. Entry-level registered nurses, represented by the 10th percentile, earn approximately $98,590 annually, while more experienced nurses at the 25th percentile see salaries around $120,450. This growth continues substantially for those in the upper quartile (75th percentile), with earnings reaching up to $174,680, which is also the maximum salary noted at the 90th percentile. The variation in pay can be attributed to several factors including years of experience, specialized skills, certifications, and roles within healthcare facilities that demand higher responsibility or expertise. This demonstrates a clear correlation between professional advancement and increased compensation in this field.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $98,590
    25th
    $120,450
    50th (median)
    $135,080
    75th
    $174,680
    90th
    $174,680

    Salinas economic context

    Unemployment rate 7.30% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $94,486 2023 • Census ACS
    Registered Nurses salary vs area income 143% Median Registered Nurses salary is 43% above the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Registered Nurses make per hour in Salinas?

    The median hourly wage for Registered Nurses in Salinas, CA is $64.94, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $85.09 or more per hour.

    Is Salinas above or below average for Registered Nurses salaries?

    The median Registered Nurses salary in Salinas, CA is 44.3% above the national median of $93,600. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Registered Nurses in Salinas?

    Entry-level Registered Nurses (10th percentile) earn around $98,590 per year in Salinas, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $120,450.