Registered Nurse Salary in San Francisco, CA (2026)
Registered Nurses (RNs) provide patient care in hospitals, clinics, schools, and other healthcare settings.
Median Annual Salary
$178,450
in San Francisco · BLS OEWS
Real Purchasing Power
$151,806
adjusted for local cost of living
National Rank
#2
among cities with BLS data
Registered Nurses in San Francisco
The median annual salary for a Registered Nurse in San Francisco, 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), San Francisco pays 84% more than the typical city.
San Francisco 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco 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, CAYou are here | $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 San Francisco
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | $187,840 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $96,460 |
| Electrician | $104,240 |
| Accountant | $119,870 |
Full cost of living profile for San Francisco
See median rent, home values, cost of living index, air quality, and more for San Francisco.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Registered Nurse salary in San Francisco?
The median annual salary for a Registered Nurse in San Francisco, CA is $178,450 per year, according to BLS OEWS data.
How does San Francisco Registered Nurse pay compare nationally?
San Francisco Registered Nurse pay ($178,450) is 84% above the median across surveyed cities ($96,980).
Does cost of living affect Registered Nurse salaries in San Francisco?
Yes. San Francisco has a cost of living index of 117.6 (US average = 100). After adjusting for local prices, a $178,450 salary in San Francisco 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