Registered Nurse Salary in San Diego, CA (2026)
Registered Nurses (RNs) provide patient care in hospitals, clinics, schools, and other healthcare settings.
Median Annual Salary
$139,350
in San Diego · BLS OEWS
Real Purchasing Power
$125,834
adjusted for local cost of living
National Rank
#8
among cities with BLS data
Registered Nurses in San Diego
The median annual salary for a Registered Nurse in San Diego, 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), San Diego pays 44% more than the typical city.
San Diego 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 San Diego 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 San Diego 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, CA | $139,350 |
| 8 | San Diego, CAYou are here | $139,350 |
| 9 | Chula Vista, CA | $139,350 |
| 10 | Anaheim, CA | $138,010 |
Source: BLS OEWS · Metro-level data
Other Occupations in San Diego
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | $157,860 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $86,960 |
| Electrician | $82,400 |
| Accountant | $104,740 |
Full cost of living profile for San Diego
See median rent, home values, cost of living index, air quality, and more for San Diego.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Registered Nurse salary in San Diego?
The median annual salary for a Registered Nurse in San Diego, CA is $139,350 per year, according to BLS OEWS data.
How does San Diego Registered Nurse pay compare nationally?
San Diego Registered Nurse pay ($139,350) is 44% above the median across surveyed cities ($96,980).
Does cost of living affect Registered Nurse salaries in San Diego?
Yes. San Diego has a cost of living index of 110.7 (US average = 100). After adjusting for local prices, a $139,350 salary in San Diego 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