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Registered Nurse Salary in San Francisco, CA

How much does a registered nurse make in San Francisco? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for San Francisco's cost of living.

Median Salary
$203,994
per year in San Francisco
Entry Level
$144,583
Starting salary
Senior Level
$283,910
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
191
91% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how registered nurse salaries break down across different pay periods in San Francisco.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$144,583$203,994$283,910
Monthly$12,049$17,000$23,659
Biweekly$5,561$7,846$10,920
Weekly$2,780$3,923$5,460
Hourly$70$98$136

San Francisco vs National Average

How San Francisco's registered nurse salaries compare to national figures.

San Francisco Salary
$203,994
COL Index: 191
National Average
$83,440
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$120,554
Higher in San Francisco

Cost of Living in San Francisco

1-Bedroom Rent
$3,400
per month
Median Income
$92,345
per year
Population
815,201
residents
Rent % of Income
44.2%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 191 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in San Francisco have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Registered Nurse

Overview

Provide patient care and coordinate treatment in hospitals and clinical settings.

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Nursing; RN license required

Key Skills

Patient CareMedical KnowledgeCommunicationClinical Assessment

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +16% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Registered Nurse Salary

See Registered Nurse salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$113,490
-44%
Los Angeles, CA
$133,440
-35%
Chicago, IL
$96,480
-53%
Houston, TX
$97,810
-52%
Phoenix, AZ
$98,160
-52%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a registered nurse salary in San Francisco.

Salary Breakdown Calculator

See exactly how your salary breaks down into taxes and take-home pay.

Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in San Francisco.

Budget Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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Registered Nurse Salary in San Francisco, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a registered nurse in San Francisco, CA is $203,994 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 191. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering San Francisco's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level registered nurse professionals in San Francisco can expect to earn around $144,583 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level registered nurses earning approximately $283,910 per year. This represents a 96% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

San Francisco's cost of living index of 191 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in San Francisco are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $83,440, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a registered nurse's salary in San Francisco typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $3,400 per month, housing represents about 20.0% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Registered Nurses are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 16% over the next decade. In San Francisco, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.