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Registered Nurse Salary in San Jose, CA

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

Median Salary
$208,940
per year in San Jose
Entry Level
$148,088
Starting salary
Senior Level
$290,793
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
182
82% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$148,088$208,940$290,793
Monthly$12,341$17,412$24,233
Biweekly$5,696$8,036$11,184
Weekly$2,848$4,018$5,592
Hourly$71$100$140

San Jose vs National Average

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

San Jose Salary
$208,940
COL Index: 182
National Average
$83,440
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$125,500
Higher in San Jose

Cost of Living in San Jose

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,800
per month
Median Income
$95,634
per year
Population
1,021,795
residents
Rent % of Income
35.1%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 182 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in San Jose 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
-46%
Los Angeles, CA
$133,440
-36%
Chicago, IL
$96,480
-54%
Houston, TX
$97,810
-53%
Phoenix, AZ
$98,160
-53%

Financial Tools to Explore

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

Salary Breakdown Calculator

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Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in San Jose.

Budget Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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Registered Nurse Salary in San Jose, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a registered nurse in San Jose, CA is $208,940 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 182. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering San Jose's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level registered nurse professionals in San Jose can expect to earn around $148,088 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level registered nurses earning approximately $290,793 per year. This represents a 96% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

San Jose's cost of living index of 182 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in San Jose 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 Jose typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,800 per month, housing represents about 16.1% 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 Jose, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. 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.