Registered Nurse Salary in Chico, CA: $134,123 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time registered nurse in Chico, CA earns a median $134,123/year (≈ $64.48/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1141). Once you factor in Chico's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 101.2), that paycheck buys what $132,537 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.5% below the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source
With a median annual salary of $134,123 for registered nurses in Chico, the compensation figures reflect a robust market for healthcare professionals in the region. This amount represents a remarkable 30.56% increase compared to the national median salary of $102,730. The salary range for registered nurses in this area can vary significantly, with the 10th percentile earning $108,891 and the 90th percentile receiving up to $168,675. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, highlight the potential for lucrative opportunities, especially for those with specialty certifications such as CCRN or CEN, which further enhance base pay. Chico’s healthcare environment indicates a growing demand for qualified nursing professionals, making it an appealing location for those considering or already engaged in the registered nursing field.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $108,891 | $52.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $132,859 | $63.88 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $134,123 | $64.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $168,675 | $81.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $168,675 | $81.09 |
Median Salary Position
30.56% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chico
In Chico, CA, the registered nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $59,784 (2026 est.). At $134,123, the local median is 30.56% above the national median of $102,730.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chico: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chico Registered Nurse Pay Compares
Chico median: $134,123/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chico Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $141,929 | -5.50% less |
| National Average | $102,730 | +30.56% more |
Registered Nurses in Chico, CA earn a median of $134,123 per year (2026 est.), which is 30.56% higher than the national median of $102,730 and 5.50% below the California state average of $141,929.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chico has a cost of living 1.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chico, CA has a cost-of-living index of 101.197 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $134,123 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $132,537 — a 1.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$82,120
2025 BLS Actual
$127,360
2026 Current Est.
$134,123
2019–2027 Growth
+72.0%
Salary Trajectory for Registered Nurses in Chico (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.31% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $82,120 | Actual |
| 2020 | $87,330 | Actual |
| 2021 | $101,750 | Actual |
| 2022 | $128,160 | Actual |
| 2023 | $136,250 | Actual |
| 2024 | $141,720 | Actual |
| 2025 | $127,360 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $134,123 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $141,245 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chico metropolitan area, the median registered nurse salary grew 55.1% from $82,120 (2019) to $127,360 (2025). At a 5.31% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $141,245 by 2027 — a total increase of $59,125 (72.00%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chico metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.31% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $108,891 – $132,859 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $132,859 – $134,123 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $134,123 – $168,675 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $168,675 – $168,675 |
RN salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual registered nurse compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Registered Nurse Job Market in Chico
The job market in Chico is strong, with approximately 2,170 registered nurses currently employed locally, pointing to healthy demand for skilled practitioners. However, the cost of living in the area is slightly above average, indicated by a cost-of-living index of 101.197. This economic reality means that while salaries may be relatively high, take-home purchasing power may be impacted. Among the highest-paying employers, hospital systems—particularly those with magnet status—are known to offer competitive rates, benefiting nurses in acute care settings like the ICU or emergency department. The variation in pay can be attributed to several factors, including shift differentials, specialty certification stipends, and charge nurse responsibilities. For nurses looking to maximize their earning potential in Chico, focusing on obtaining specialty certifications, seeking positions in high-demand areas, and considering roles that offer evening or weekend shifts can greatly enhance overall pay.
More salary data for Chico, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $127,360 for registered nursesin the Chico metropolitan area. A 5.31% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.31%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for registered nurses (SOC 29-1141).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov