Registered Nurse Salary in Berkeley, CA (2026)
Registered Nurses (RNs) provide patient care in hospitals, clinics, schools, and other healthcare settings.
Median Annual Salary
$178,450
in Berkeley · BLS OEWS
Real Purchasing Power
$151,806
adjusted for local cost of living
National Rank
#1
among cities with BLS data
Registered Nurses in Berkeley
The median annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Berkeley, CA is $178,450 per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. This works out to approximately $14,871/month or $86/hour.
Compared to the median across all surveyed cities ($96,980), Berkeley pays 84% more than the typical city.
Berkeley has a cost of living index of 117.6 (US average = 100), so higher local costs reduce your real purchasing power. In inflation-adjusted terms, $178,450 in Berkeley is equivalent to $151,806 in a city at the US average cost of living.
BLS wage data is collected at the metropolitan statistical area (MSA) level, so this figure represents the Berkeley metro area, not just the city itself.
Top 10 Cities for Registered Nurses by Salary
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Berkeley, CAYou are here | $178,450 |
| 2 | San Francisco, CA | $178,450 |
| 3 | Oakland, CA | $178,450 |
| 4 | Sacramento, CA | $163,020 |
| 5 | Folsom, CA | $163,020 |
| 6 | Roseville, CA | $163,020 |
| 7 | Carlsbad, CA | $139,350 |
| 8 | San Diego, CA | $139,350 |
| 9 | Chula Vista, CA | $139,350 |
| 10 | Anaheim, CA | $138,010 |
Source: BLS OEWS · Metro-level data
Other Occupations in Berkeley
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | $187,840 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $96,460 |
| Electrician | $104,240 |
| Accountant | $119,870 |
Full cost of living profile for Berkeley
See median rent, home values, cost of living index, air quality, and more for Berkeley.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Registered Nurse salary in Berkeley?
The median annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Berkeley, CA is $178,450 per year, according to BLS OEWS data.
How does Berkeley Registered Nurse pay compare nationally?
Berkeley Registered Nurse pay ($178,450) is 84% above the median across surveyed cities ($96,980).
Does cost of living affect Registered Nurse salaries in Berkeley?
Yes. Berkeley has a cost of living index of 117.6 (US average = 100). After adjusting for local prices, a $178,450 salary in Berkeley has the purchasing power of approximately $151,806 in an average-cost city.
Data last updated: June 1, 2026 · Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) · Methodology