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Nursing jobs in California 2026
Vacancies, salaries, EB-3 demand and licensing — verified against BLS OEWS 2025 + HRSA NCHWA 2026.
RN Shortage
45,500
High 8%
Median Annual Salary
$150,280
$72.25/hr
COL-Adjusted
$98,643
COL index: 142.2
Compact State?
No
Single-state license
Key insight
In California, there is a shortage of 45,500 registered nurses as of 2026 — 8% of the state's nursing workforce demand. Median RN salary is $150,280 per year. After cost of living adjustment, purchasing power equals $98,643 in national terms. Moderate EB-3 activity in this state.
Federal nursing jobs in California
Registered Nurse
Veterans Health Administration · Anchorage, Alaska
$38871 - $228000 PA
Registered Nurse- Primary Care
Veterans Health Administration · Long Beach, California
$111502 - $190737 PA
Registered Nurse (Critical Care)
Veterans Health Administration · Fresno, California
$89225 - $163975 PA
Registered Nurse
Veterans Health Administration · Fresno, California
$89225 - $163975 PA
Critical Care Registered Nurse
Veterans Health Administration · San Diego, California
$109945 - $199594 PA
Top hiring cities
State nursing board
California Board of Registered Nursing
Endorsement fee: $150 · NCLEX attempts allowed: 8/year
Licensing portal EB-3 sponsors placing nurses in California
Independently verified agencies with zero fee to nurses.
Health Carousel International (PassportUSA)
No fee to nurse
AMN Healthcare / Connetics USA
No fee to nurse
O'Grady Peyton International
No fee to nurse
Medliant International
No fee to nurse
Conexus MedStaff
No fee to nurse
Wayne Staffing USA (NYC Specialist)
No fee to nurse