How much does a Registered Nurse license cost in California?

Getting a Registered Nurse license in California costs $550 upfront (exam fee $200, application fee $150, license fee $200). Renewal runs $190 every 2 years.

How much do licensed registered nurses earn in California?

Licensed registered nurses in California earn a median salary of $107,500/year, compared to $52,500/year without the license.

How many CE hours are required to renew a Registered Nurse license in California?

California requires 30 continuing education hours every 2 years to renew a Registered Nurse license.

Registered Nurse Licenses › California

Registered Nurse License Cost in California 2026: $550 Fees, $108K Salary

Getting a Registered Nurse license in California costs $550 upfront. At state-adjusted salaries, that pays back in 0.1 months.

Registered Nurse License in California — Key Numbers

$550

Upfront Cost

$108K

Median Salary (Licensed)

$190

Renewal (every 2 yrs)

0.1 mo

Payback Period

Salary data: BLS OEWS 2024 state estimates. Fees: state licensing board schedules.

Registered Nurse License Cost Breakdown — California

Exam fee $200

Application fee $150

Initial license fee $200

Total upfront $550

Renewal fee (every 2 yrs) $190

CE hours required per cycle 30 hours

Salary without license (California) $52,500/yr

Salary with license (California) $107,500/yr

5-year net ROI $274K

Licensing body: California Board of Nursing. Verify current fees before applying — schedules change.

Registered Nurse License in California — What to Know

California RN salaries rank among the highest in the country. The $108K median reflects the state's strong hospital systems and above-average nursing demand. The NCLEX-RN fee is fixed nationally at $200; state application and license fees add another $350 to the upfront cost. California has active travel nursing markets — contracted rates in major hospitals run $40–$65/hour. BSN-prepared nurses in California command a consistent hiring premium over ADN graduates.

Payback Calculator

Your Current Salary

Total Upfront Cost

Expected Salary with License in California

Other License Costs in California

Real Estate Agent → Cosmetologist → CPA →

← All states: Registered Nurse License Costs

All certifications in California · Payback period by state

Embed this calculator

Add this free calculator to your website or blog — no signup required.

<iframe
  src="https://certpayback.com/licenses/nursing/california?embed=true&utm_source=embed&utm_medium=iframe&utm_campaign=widget"
  title="Registered Nurse License Cost in California 2026: $550 Fees, $108K Salary"
  width="100%"
  height="520"
  style="border:none; border-radius:8px; box-shadow:0 1px 4px rgba(0,0,0,.12);"
  loading="lazy"
  allowtransparency="true"
></iframe>