Registered Nurse Salary in San Francisco, CA
2024 BLS OEWS Data · Healthcare · COL Index: 179.6
$188,020
Median Salary
$178,450
Mean Salary
$104,688
COL-Adjusted
40,750
Employment
Salary Distribution
Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Salary | COL-Adjusted |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $120,210 | $66,932 |
| 25th Percentile | $150,580 | $83,842 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $188,020 | $104,688 |
| 75th Percentile | $212,190 | $118,146 |
| 90th Percentile (Top Earners) | $221,890 | $123,547 |
What Drives the Range
The $101,680 spread between the 10th and 90th percentiles for Registered Nurse positions in San Francisco, CA reflects several factors. Entry-level professionals and those in smaller organizations typically fall in the lower quartiles, while senior specialists, those with in-demand certifications, and employees at large enterprises command salaries in the upper percentiles.
San Francisco, CA's cost-of-living index of 179.6 means that a $188,020 median salary here has the same purchasing power as $104,688 in an average-cost U.S. city. Despite the higher cost of living, this metro area offers a deep talent pool and typically higher total compensation when including equity and bonuses.