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 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

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.