Registered Nurse Salary in Carlsbad, CA (2026)
Registered Nurses (RNs) provide patient care in hospitals, clinics, schools, and other healthcare settings.
Median Annual Salary
$139,350
in Carlsbad · BLS OEWS
Real Purchasing Power
$125,834
adjusted for local cost of living
National Rank
#7
among cities with BLS data
Registered Nurses in Carlsbad
The median annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Carlsbad, CA is $139,350 per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. This works out to approximately $11,613/month or $67/hour.
Compared to the median across all surveyed cities ($96,980), Carlsbad pays 44% more than the typical city.
Carlsbad has a cost of living index of 110.7 (US average = 100), so higher local costs reduce your real purchasing power. In inflation-adjusted terms, $139,350 in Carlsbad is equivalent to $125,834 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 Carlsbad metro area, not just the city itself.
Top 10 Cities for Registered Nurses by Salary
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Berkeley, CA | $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, CAYou are here | $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 Carlsbad
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | $157,860 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $86,960 |
| Electrician | $82,400 |
| Accountant | $104,740 |
Full cost of living profile for Carlsbad
See median rent, home values, cost of living index, air quality, and more for Carlsbad.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Registered Nurse salary in Carlsbad?
The median annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Carlsbad, CA is $139,350 per year, according to BLS OEWS data.
How does Carlsbad Registered Nurse pay compare nationally?
Carlsbad Registered Nurse pay ($139,350) is 44% above the median across surveyed cities ($96,980).
Does cost of living affect Registered Nurse salaries in Carlsbad?
Yes. Carlsbad has a cost of living index of 110.7 (US average = 100). After adjusting for local prices, a $139,350 salary in Carlsbad has the purchasing power of approximately $125,834 in an average-cost city.
Data last updated: June 1, 2026 · Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) · Methodology