In Sacramento, CA, Registered Nurses earn a median of $157,810 a year — about 67% above the U.S. median of $94,480. Among the 50 metros tracked here for this role, that ranks #4.
What that pay is worth in Sacramento
Local prices run 107 on the BEA cost-of-living index (U.S. = 100), so a $154,510 salary buys less than it looks — about $144,849 in national-average buying power.
Can Registered Nurses afford a home in Sacramento?
A typical Sacramento home runs about $484,600 — 3.1 times the average Registered Nurse salary, manageable against the classic 3x rule of thumb. Median rent near $1,694/mo takes roughly 13% of gross pay — within the 30% comfort line.
The Registered Nurse pay ladder in Sacramento
Entry-level (10th percentile) Registered Nurses earn about $101,670; the top 10% reach $207,920 — a $106,250 spread, wide for this field. Most of that gap comes down to experience, employer, and how hard you negotiate.
The Registered Nurse job market in Sacramento
Sacramento employs roughly 21,890 Registered Nurses. It’s a sizable local market to build a career in.
Compare Sacramento with other cities
See the full Registered Nurse salary by city ranking to weigh Sacramento against the other metros on both pay and cost-adjusted value, or use the cost-of-living calculator to compare any two cities directly.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Registered Nurses make in Sacramento?
The average Registered Nurse in Sacramento, CA earns about $154,510 per year, 63.5% above the national average of $94,480.
What is the take-home pay for Registered Nurses in Sacramento after taxes?
After federal and CA taxes, this $154,510 salary is worth about $106,580 a year - roughly $8,881 a month in take-home pay, an effective tax rate near 31%.
What do the highest-paid Registered Nurses earn in Sacramento?
The top 10% of Registered Nurses in Sacramento earn about $207,920 a year, versus about $101,670 for the bottom 10%.
Can Registered Nurses afford a home in Sacramento?
A typical Sacramento home runs about $484,600 - roughly 3.1x this salary, within reach by the classic 3x rule of thumb.