Healthcare San Francisco, CA Pop. 873,965

Registered Nurse Salary in San Francisco, California

The median registered nurse salary in San Francisco, CA is $154,318 per year, which is 90.0% above the national median and 30.1% above the California state average.

City Median
$154,318
vs State Avg
+$35,737
vs National
+$73,098
Cost of Living
182%

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

San Francisco offers a median registered nurse salary of $154,318, which is $35,737 above the California state average of $118,581. Compared to the national median of $81,220, San Francisco pays above average for this role.

However, San Francisco's cost of living index is 182%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $154,318 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $84,790. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Francisco should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for registered nurses in San Francisco spans from $109,060 at the 10th percentile to $229,520 at the 90th percentile — a $120,460 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $110,200, while senior registered nurses with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $218,500. As a major metro area with a population of 873,965, San Francisco typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Registered Nurse Salary in San Francisco by Experience

In San Francisco, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $110,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $218,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$110,200
+$52,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$155,800
+$73,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$218,500
+$103,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Francisco, CA

Percentile San Francisco
10th Percentile $109,060
25th Percentile $126,920
Median (50th) $154,318
75th Percentile $192,090
90th Percentile $229,520

Registered Nurse Salary in Other California Cities

San Jose, CA
$142,947
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$125,079
Pop. 3,898,747
San Diego, CA
$121,830
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$102,337
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Registered Nurse in San Francisco

Education

Most registered nurse positions require a bachelor's degree. San Francisco 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 Francisco may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Registered Nurse Jobs in San Francisco

Browse open registered nurse positions in San Francisco, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in San Francisco

How much does a Registered Nurse make in San Francisco, CA? ▼
The median registered nurse salary in San Francisco, California is $154,318 per year, which is 90.0% above the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $109,060 (10th percentile) to $229,520 (90th percentile).
How much does a Registered Nurse make per hour in San Francisco? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $154,318, a registered nurse in San Francisco earns approximately $74 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Francisco compare to the California state average for registered nurse pay? ▼
San Francisco's median registered nurse salary of $154,318 is 30.1% above the California state average of $118,581. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Francisco, CA? ▼
San Francisco has a cost of living index of 182% compared to the national average. This means a registered nurse salary of $154,318 in San Francisco 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 Francisco? ▼
Most registered nurse positions in San Francisco 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.