Nursing Schools in California
58 California schools offer Nursing. Average graduate earnings run 38% above the national average — something worth factoring in alongside tuition, location, and program fit.
Nursing Training in California: What You Need to Know
Local program supply
California has 58 schools offering Nursing programs, concentrated in 7 cities including {'city': 'Los Angeles', 'city_slug': 'los-angeles', 'count': 5, 'avg_earn': 84072.0}, {'city': 'Sacramento', 'city_slug': 'sacramento', 'count': 3, 'avg_earn': 101332.0}, {'city': 'Visalia', 'city_slug': 'visalia', 'count': 2, 'avg_earn': 97969.0}. Most students attend within 60 miles of home — local choice matters more than national rankings.
Earnings vs. national
Nursing graduates in California earn approximately $96,073/year on average, which is +38% above the national average for this trade. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
California-specific licensing
Most skilled trades require a state-issued license or certification before you can work independently. Requirements vary substantially by state. Verify California-specific licensing through the relevant state board (Department of Labor, Contractors Board, or trade-specific licensing body). Apprenticeship hours often count toward licensure.
How California compares
Average TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Nursing programs in California is 86/100. Cost of living, wage levels, and program supply all vary by state — see the school list below ranked by TradeSchoolOutlook Score, which combines earnings, debt, and job-market demand.
Nursing Programs in California
All 58 California schools offering Nursing, ranked by TradeSchoolOutlook Score. Click a school to see full earnings projections and program details.
Where Nursing Programs Cluster in California
Cities with the most Nursing programs — useful if you want to minimize commute or relocate within state.
| City | Schools | Avg Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA | 5 | $84,072/yr |
| Sacramento, CA | 3 | $101,332/yr |
| Visalia, CA | 2 | $97,969/yr |
| Santa Ana, CA | 2 | $95,939/yr |
| Bakersfield, CA | 2 | $91,249/yr |
| San Jose, CA | 2 | $88,280/yr |
| Fremont, CA | 1 | $120,006/yr |
Compare Nursing in Other States
Considering a nearby state? Here's how California compares to others with strong Nursing offerings.