Healthcare San Diego, CA Pop. 1,386,932

Registered Nurse Salary in San Diego, California

The median registered nurse salary in San Diego, CA is $121,830 per year, which is 50.0% above the national median and 2.7% above the California state average.

City Median
$121,830
vs State Avg
+$3,249
vs National
+$40,610
Cost of Living
142%

Registered Nurse Pay in San Diego: What to Expect (2026)

San Diego offers a median registered nurse salary of $121,830, which is $3,249 above the California state average of $118,581. Compared to the national median of $81,220, San Diego pays above average for this role.

However, San Diego's cost of living index is 142%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $121,830 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $85,796. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Diego should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for registered nurses in San Diego spans from $86,100 at the 10th percentile to $181,200 at the 90th percentile — a $95,100 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $87,000, while senior registered nurses with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $172,500. As a major metro area with a population of 1,386,932, San Diego typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Registered Nurse Salary in San Diego by Experience

In San Diego, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $87,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $172,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$87,000
+$29,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$123,000
+$41,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$172,500
+$57,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Diego, CA

Percentile San Diego
10th Percentile $86,100
25th Percentile $100,200
Median (50th) $121,830
75th Percentile $151,650
90th Percentile $181,200

Registered Nurse Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$154,318
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$142,947
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$125,079
Pop. 3,898,747
Sacramento, CA
$102,337
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Registered Nurse in San Diego

Education

Most registered nurse positions require a bachelor's degree. San Diego and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Patient AssessmentMedication AdministrationCritical ThinkingCommunicationEMR SystemsBLS/ACLS

Job Outlook

Nationally, registered nurse employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in San Diego may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Registered Nurse Jobs in San Diego

Browse open registered nurse positions in San Diego, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in San Diego

How much does a Registered Nurse make in San Diego, CA? ▼
The median registered nurse salary in San Diego, California is $121,830 per year, which is 50.0% above the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $86,100 (10th percentile) to $181,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Registered Nurse make per hour in San Diego? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $121,830, a registered nurse in San Diego earns approximately $59 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Diego compare to the California state average for registered nurse pay? ▼
San Diego's median registered nurse salary of $121,830 is 2.7% above the California state average of $118,581. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Diego, CA? ▼
San Diego has a cost of living index of 142% compared to the national average. This means a registered nurse salary of $121,830 in San Diego has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a registered nurse in San Diego? ▼
Most registered nurse positions in San Diego require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Patient Assessment, Medication Administration, Critical Thinking, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.