Registered Nurse Salary in San Diego
2026 compensation data for Registered Nurse positions in San Diego, CA. Ranges from $62,000 (entry-level) to $146,000 (senior). Median: $95,000.
Median (Mid)
$95,000
$45.67/hr
vs National
+3%
US: $92,000
COL Index
140
vs US avg = 100
Senior Max
$146,000
Top of band
Salary Ranges by Experience Level
Detailed Compensation Breakdown
| Level | Annual Min | Annual Median | Annual Max | Hourly (Median) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | $62,000 | $72,000 | $84,000 | $34.62/hr |
| Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | $81,000 | $95,000 | $112,000 | $45.67/hr |
| Senior (6+ yrs) | $106,000 | $123,000 | $146,000 | $59.13/hr |
What Your Salary Is Really Worth in San Diego
A mid-level registered nurse earning $95,000 in San Diego has the same buying power as $68,000 in an average US city, after adjusting for the local cost of living (COL index 140).
Cost of living comparisons use a base of 100 (US national average). Higher index = higher housing, transport, and consumer prices.
About Registered Nurse Salaries in San Diego
The median registered nurse salary in San Diego, CA is $95,000 for mid-level professionals, which is 3% above the national median. With a cost of living index of 140 (national average = 100), San Diego offers a high cost of living that partially offsets the salary premium.
Entry-level registered nurses in San Diego can expect to earn between $62,000 and $84,000 (about $34.62/hour), while senior professionals with 6+ years of experience earn up to $146,000 ($146K annually, or about $70.19/hour).
These figures represent base salary only and do not include bonuses, equity, or benefits, which can add 20–50% to total compensation — especially at technology companies and in competitive markets like San Diego.
Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in San Diego
What is the average Registered Nurse salary in San Diego?+
The average Registered Nurse salary in San Diego is $95,000 for a mid-level professional (3–5 years of experience). Entry-level pay starts around $72,000 and senior-level pay reaches $123,000.
How much does an entry-level registered nurse make in San Diego?+
Entry-level registered nurses in San Diego earn between $62,000 and $84,000, with a median of $72,000 per year (about $34.62/hour).
What is the hourly rate for a Registered Nurse in San Diego?+
Based on a 2,080-hour work year, a Registered Nurse in San Diego earns roughly $34.62/hour at entry-level, $45.67/hour at mid-level, and $59.13/hour at senior-level.
Is the Registered Nurse salary in San Diego higher than the US average?+
Yes — Registered Nurse salaries in San Diego are about 3% higher than the US national median of $92,000.
Does this include bonuses or equity?+
No — these figures are base salary only. Total compensation (base + bonus + equity + benefits) is typically 20–50% higher, and can be 2–3x at top technology and finance employers.
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