Registered Nurse in Redding, CA

The Salary Picture: Where Redding Stands

Let’s cut to the chase: Registered Nurses in Redding are paid well, but not at the premium levels you’ll find in the Bay Area or Southern California. The median salary for an RN in the Redding metro area is $86,792/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $41.73/hour. This is a solid, middle-of-the-road figure for California, sitting just slightly above the national average of $86,070/year. It’s a livable wage here, especially when you factor in the local cost of living.

The job market is stable, with approximately 834 RN positions currently filled in the metro area. The 10-year job growth projection is 6%, which is modest but steady. This growth is driven by an aging population in Shasta County and the expanding services at major healthcare facilities. You won’t find the explosive demand of a major metropolis, but you will find consistent opportunities for those with the right credentials and attitude.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of what you can expect to earn based on your experience level. This is based on regional data and local job postings.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$74,000 - $82,000
Mid-Career	3-7 years	$85,000 - $95,000
Senior	8-15 years	$96,000 - $110,000
Expert/Specialist	15+ years / with certifications	$108,000 - $125,000+

How Redding Compares to Other California Cities:

• San Francisco/Oakland: Median around $145,000+. Cost of living is 60-80% higher. A similar lifestyle here would require a significant pay cut, but your dollar stretches much further.
• Sacramento: Median around $115,000. Slightly higher pay, but also a higher cost of living (rent is ~25% more). Commutes are also a factor.
• Fresno/Bakersfield: Medians around $95,000-$100,000. These are more direct comparisons in terms of regional economy and cost of living. Redding's pay is slightly lower but competitive.
• Los Angeles/Long Beach: Median around $120,000+. The pay bump is significant, but so is the stress, traffic, and housing costs.

Insider Tip: The $86,792 median is a good benchmark, but your specific offer will depend heavily on shift differentials (nights/weekends can add $4-$8/hour), hospital system (private vs. public), and any specialty certifications (like CCRN, CEN, or OCN). Don't be afraid to negotiate.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s do the math on that $86,792 median salary. We’ll assume a single filer with standard deductions.

• Gross Annual Pay: $86,792
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$22,500
• Net Annual Take-Home: ~$64,292
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$5,358

Now, let's layer in the cost of living. The average 1-bedroom apartment rent in Redding is $1,132/month. The Cost of Living Index is 102.8 (US average = 100), meaning it's slightly above the national average, but significantly lower than the California average of ~140.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single RN, Median Salary):

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Net Monthly Income	$5,358	Post-tax
Rent (1BR Apt)	-$1,132	Average; varies by neighborhood
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water, Internet)	-$250	Winter heating can be a factor
Groceries	-$450
Car Payment/Insurance/Gas	-$600	Essential in Redding; limited public transit
Health Insurance (Employer Plan)	-$200	Varies by employer
Retirement Savings (401k/IRA, 10%)	-$536	Keeping a 10% savings rate
Discretionary/Entertainment	-$1,190	Eating out, hobbies, etc.
Remaining Buffer	$0

This budget shows that on a median salary, you can comfortably cover necessities and save, but buying a home is a significant stretch.

Can they afford to buy a home?
The median home price in Redding is approximately $425,000. With a 20% down payment ($85,000), a 30-year mortgage at 7% would have a monthly payment of ~$2,260 (principal, interest, taxes, insurance). That's over $1,100 more per month than the average rent. On a $5,358 net monthly income, that would consume 42% of your take-home pay, which is financially risky. While some RNs do buy, it often requires dual incomes, a larger down payment, or starting with a more affordable condo/townhouse. Renting is the more practical choice for most, especially early in your career.

Where the Jobs Are: Redding's Major Employers

The healthcare landscape in Redding is dominated by a few key players. The job market is tight-knit, and word gets around. Knowing the major employers and their cultures is crucial.

1. Dignity Health (Mercy Medical Center Redding): The largest private employer in the North State. It's a faith-based, Catholic hospital system. They offer a wide range of services, including a Level II Trauma Center, cardiac surgery, and oncology. Hiring trends are steady; they frequently post for Med-Surg, ICU, and ER nurses. Insider Tip: Dignity Health has strong tuition reimbursement programs, making it a good place to upskill for a BSN or MSN.

2. Shasta Regional Medical Center (SRMC): Part of the Tenet Healthcare system. SRMC is a private, for-profit hospital. It competes directly with Mercy. They are known for their bariatric surgery and stroke care. Job postings often appear for surgical services, orthopedics, and med-surg. Insider Tip: Tenet hospitals can be more metrics-driven. Be prepared for a focus on efficiency and patient satisfaction scores.

3. Shasta County Public Health: The county government employer for public health nursing. Roles here are different—think community health, epidemiology, school nursing, and infectious disease control. It's a great path for nurses who want to move away from bedside care. Hiring is less frequent but stable. Insider Tip: Public sector pensions (CalPERS) are a major benefit here, offering long-term financial security.

4. VA Northern California Health Care System (Redding Clinic): Part of the federal VA system. This is a highly sought-after employer due to federal job security, excellent benefits (including a pension), and a focus on veteran care. They hire for Primary Care, Mental Health, and Specialty clinics. Insider Tip: The federal hiring process is slow and bureaucratic. Be patient. The rewards are in the job stability and benefits.

5. Enloe Medical Center (Chico, CA): While not in Redding, Enloe is a major employer that many Redding nurses commute to (about 75 miles south). It's a non-profit Level II Trauma Center and a major referral center. Some nurses live in Redding for the lower cost of living and commute to Chico for the higher pay (Chico's median is closer to $92,000). Insider Tip: The commute on I-5 can be tough in winter with mountain passes, but the pay differential can be worth it for some.

6. Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) & Home Health: Companies like Oakmont of Redding (senior living), Sutter Care at Home, and Encompass Health (home health) are consistent employers. These roles often offer more predictable hours but at a lower pay scale than hospitals. They are excellent for gaining experience or as a transition from hospital bedside work.

Getting Licensed in CA

California has one of the strictest licensing processes in the nation. If you're coming from out of state, start this process 6-8 months before you plan to move.

Requirements & Costs:

1. NCLEX-RN Exam: You must pass this national exam. The application fee is $200. If you need to retake it, it's an additional $200.
2. California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) Application: This is the state-specific step. The application fee is $250. You'll need to submit official transcripts, fingerprints, and proof of education.
3. Fingerprinting: Done through Live Scan. Cost varies by location but is typically around $70.
4. Total Estimated Cost (Initial Licensure): $520 (excluding transcripts and any course fees).

Timeline:

• Step 1: Graduate from an accredited nursing program. Ensure your curriculum meets CA BRN requirements (e.g., specific hours in community health, psychiatric nursing).
• Step 2: Submit your CA BRN application. This can take 4-6 weeks to process.
• Step 3: Once your CA application is "cleared," you can register for the NCLEX with Pearson VUE.
• Step 4: Schedule your NCLEX. Test centers can fill up, especially in summer. Plan for a 1-2 month wait.
• Step 5: Receive your license! The BRN posts licenses online once all steps are complete.

Insider Tip: If you are a new grad, apply for jobs before you move. Hospitals like Mercy and SRMC have new graduate residency programs. They often help with relocation and can guide you through the licensing process. If you're an experienced RN, you can get a "temporary" permit while your full license is processed, allowing you to start work faster.

Best Neighborhoods for Registered Nurses

Where you live in Redding affects your commute, lifestyle, and rent. The city is spread out, and owning a car is non-negotiable.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Average 1BR Rent	Best For...
Downtown Redding	Urban, walkable, historic. Close to the Sundial Bridge, restaurants, and the Sacramento River. Commute to hospitals is 5-10 mins.	$1,250 - $1,400	Young professionals who want nightlife and culture.
East Redding	Family-oriented, suburban. Quiet streets, good schools. Commute is easy (10-15 mins to Mercy, 15-20 to SRMC).	$1,050 - $1,200	Nurses with families or who prefer a quieter lifestyle.
West Redding	Mix of older homes and new developments. Closer to shopping centers (Mt. Shasta Mall area). Commute is similar to East.	$1,100 - $1,250	A balance of convenience and space.
Boulder Creek	Very suburban, newer homes, master-planned community. It feels a bit isolated from downtown. Commute is 15-20 mins.	$1,150 - $1,300	Those who want a modern "suburban" feel with amenities.
Shasta View	A more affordable area on the north side. Older homes, closer to some industrial areas. Commute is 10-15 mins.	$950 - $1,100	Budget-conscious nurses, new grads looking to save.

Insider Tip: Many nurses prefer living in East Redding. It offers a good balance of safety, quiet, and a relatively short commute to both major hospitals. Traffic is not a major issue in Redding, so your commute is primarily distance-based.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Your career trajectory in Redding will be shaped by specialization and advanced degrees.

Specialty Premiums:

• ICU/Critical Care: Typically a $4-$7/hour differential on top of base pay. High demand for CCRN-certified nurses.
• Emergency Department: Similar $4-$7/hour differential. CEN certification is valuable.
• OR/Perioperative: Specialized training required. Offers a stable, Monday-Friday schedule for many, with a premium for call shifts.
• Labor & Delivery: Highly competitive and often requires experience elsewhere first. Pay is at the higher end of the scale.
• Oncology: Growing field with the new cancer center at Mercy. OCN certification is a plus.

Advancement Paths:

• Clinical Ladder: Both major hospitals have clinical ladder programs. Moving from RN I to RN III or IV can bring a $3,000-$8,000 annual raise and require a portfolio of certifications and education.
• Nurse Manager/Supervisor: Requires a BSN at minimum, often an MSN. Salaries range from $105,000 - $130,000. The shift is from patient care to budgeting, scheduling, and operations.
• Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS): Requires a Master's or Doctorate. NPs in Redding can earn $120,000 - $150,000+. There is a growing need for NPs in primary care and specialty clinics.

10-Year Outlook:
The 6% job growth is solid. Redding will continue to need nurses to replace retirements and fill new positions. The biggest growth will be in outpatient and home health services as healthcare shifts from inpatient to community-based care. Nurses with telehealth experience or those who can work in rural clinics will have a distinct advantage. The state is also pushing for more nurse-led clinics, which could open new doors for NPs.

The Verdict: Is Redding Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: You can live comfortably on the median salary. Rent is manageable.	Limited Specialty Options: You may need to move to a larger city for highly niche specialties (e.g., pediatric heart surgery).
Stable Job Market: The 834 jobs and 6% growth indicate demand without the frenzy of a mega-city.	Isolation: Redding is a 2-3 hour drive from Sacramento or Chico. It's a self-contained community.
Outdoor Access: Unbeatable for hiking, biking, and water sports on Shasta Lake and the river.	Limited Nightlife/Dining: Compared to urban centers, options are more limited.
Sense of Community: Healthcare workers know each other. It's a tight-knit professional network.	Heat & Air Quality: Summers are very hot, and wildfire season can bring poor air quality.
Good Work-Life Balance: Less traffic and a slower pace of life outside of work.	Lower Ceiling for Top Earners: The salary cap is lower than in major metros.

Final Recommendation:
Redding is an excellent choice for mid-career nurses, new grads, and those prioritizing lifestyle and affordability over maximum salary potential. If you value a slower pace, outdoor activities, and a close-knit community, it's a fantastic fit. It's less ideal for nurses seeking the absolute highest earnings, the most cutting-edge medical technology, or a bustling urban culture. For the right person, Redding offers a sustainable and fulfilling nursing career.

FAQs

1. I'm a new graduate. Will I find a job in Redding?
Yes, but it's competitive. Both Mercy and SRMC have new graduate residency programs. Apply to these before you graduate. Having your CA license in hand (or a clear application) makes you a much stronger candidate. Don't be afraid to start in Med-Surg to get your foot in the door.

2. How bad is the "wildfire season"?
It's a reality of living in Northern California. The season runs roughly June through November. Air quality can become hazardous for a few days or weeks at a time. Most local homes and hospitals have air filtration systems. Nurses with respiratory conditions should take this into account.

3. Is it easy to switch between hospitals in Redding?
Yes, the market is small. It's common for nurses to work at one hospital for a few years and then move to the other for a change of pace or a pay bump. The professional network is strong, and most managers know each other.

4. What's the real cost of owning a car in Redding?
Essential. Gas prices are typically near the national average. Insurance can be higher due to the high rate of deer and other wildlife collisions on rural roads. Budget at least $600/month for a car payment, insurance, gas, and basic maintenance.

5. Can I commute from Chico to Redding?
It's possible, but not common. The 75-mile commute on I-5 is about 1.5 hours each way. In winter, the Shasta Pass