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2026 Salary Data — San Francisco, CA
Updated April 28, 2026

Registered Nurse Salary in San Francisco: $133K Median

Registered Nurses in San Francisco, CA earn between $99K and $206K per year.

That's +55% above the US national median of $86,070 for this role.

Quick Answer

As of April 2026, the median Registered Nurse salary in San Francisco, CA is $133,409 per year — +55% above the US national median of $86,070. Salaries range from $98,766 (entry, 25th percentile) to $205,654 (90th percentile). Registered Nurses in San Francisco earned approximately $20,213 in 2025, representing 560.0% year-over-year growth.

Median
$133,409
+560.0% YoY · $11,117/mo
Entry
$100,750
0–2 years
Experienced
$162,750
5+ years
Top 10%
$205,654
Senior/lead
Registered Nurse Salary — San Francisco vs Nearby
San Francisco
$133K
Los Angeles
$110K
+21% vs San Francisco
San Diego
$102K
+31% vs San Francisco
Fresno
$82K
+63% vs San Francisco

Free ATS scan · San Francisco employers · Results in 60 seconds

About Registered Nurses in San Francisco

Registered nurses (RNs) provide direct patient care, administer medications, coordinate care plans, and educate patients about health conditions.

Core Responsibilities

  • Patient assessment and care planning
  • Medication administration
  • Wound care and clinical procedures
  • Patient and family education
  • Care coordination with physicians

Education & Certifications

Typical path: BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) increasingly preferred over ADN

In-demand certifications

NCLEX-RNBLS/ACLSCCRN (critical care)CNOR (perioperative)Compact Nursing License

San Francisco Job Market

Global tech capital with highest tech salaries in the US, especially AI/ML.

Population
873K
Cost of Living
244
vs 100 US avg
Unemployment
4.5%
Median Home
$1300K

Top Industries in San Francisco

Tech (FAANG, AI)FinanceBiotechTourism

Top Employers Hiring Registered Nurses

Major employers active in San Francisco or hiring remotely from this metro.

HCA Healthcare
Kaiser Permanente
Mayo Clinic
Cleveland Clinic
CommonSpirit Health
Veterans Health

All major employers use ATS software.

Workday, Greenhouse, Taleo, and iCIMS auto-screen 75% of resumes before a human ever sees them. Scan your resume free to see your match rate.

2026 Hot Skills & Resume Keywords

Skills that command salary premiums and pass ATS keyword filters.

Hottest 2026 Skills

These appear in the highest-paying Registered Nurse listings.

TelehealthEpic EHRBSN credentialSpecialty certificationsNLC compact license

ATS Resume Keywords

Include these naturally throughout your resume.

patient caremedication administrationEHR (Epic, Cerner)critical thinkingBLSIV therapypatient education
Career Outlook
+6% Growth Projected (2024-2034)

RN employment projected to grow 6% through 2034, with 194,500 openings annually. Chronic shortage continues, driving competitive salaries and signing bonuses.

Registered Nurse Salary Breakdown — San Francisco

PeriodEntry (25th)Median (50th)Top (90th)
Annual$98,766$133,409$205,654
Monthly$8,231$11,117$17,138
Weekly$1,899$2,566$3,955
Hourly$47$64$99

Based on 2080 working hours/year. Local figures derived from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics national median ($86,070) adjusted for San Francisco's cost-of-living multiplier (1.55×, sourced from BEA Regional Price Parities).

Registered Nurse Take-Home Pay in San Francisco

After federal, state and FICA taxes — single filer, standard deduction.

Net Annual Take-Home
$94,504.557
Per month$7,875
Biweekly paycheck$3,635
Effective tax rate29.2%

Tax Breakdown on $133,409

Gross salary$133,409
Federal income tax−$21,361.16
California state tax−$7,337.495
FICA (Social Security + Medicare)−$10,205.789
Take-home (net)$94,504.557

Estimates assume single filer, standard deduction ($14,600 for 2026), no 401(k)/HSA/dependents. Actual take-home varies with deductions, dependents, and benefits elections. Not tax advice.

Registered Nurse Salary by Experience — San Francisco

Career-stage progression for Registered Nurses in San Francisco.

ExperienceAnnual Salary
0–1 yr$92,690
2–3 yr$100,750
4–6 yr$131,750
7–10 yr$162,750
11–15 yr$192,045
15+ yr$184,202

Curve derived from BLS percentile data adjusted for San Francisco's 1.55× cost-of-living multiplier. Highlighted row = 7–10 year experienced level.

Year-Over-Year Trend

+560.0% vs 2025

2025 median:$20,213
2026 median:$133,409
Change:+$113,196

Healthcare sector growth driven by demand for Telehealth and Epic EHR.

Is This A Good Salary?

Below comfortable threshold

After adjusting for the local cost of living, real purchasing power falls below what most economists consider a comfortable middle-class wage. Roommates, longer commutes, or a second income are typically required to make the numbers work.

COL-Adjusted Purchasing Power
$54,676
Difficult on the median - the nominal salary masks how little real purchasing power remains after rent, taxes, and basic costs.

How to Negotiate Your Registered Nurse Salary in San Francisco

Walk-away anchor: $121,281 (offers below this are below market for San Francisco).

Leverage Points

  • Specialty certifications (CCRN, OCS, BCPS, FNP) command 8-15% premiums
  • Compact license / multi-state authority and willingness to float between units
  • Night, weekend, and holiday shift differentials add up to $10K-$25K annually
  • Critical-shortage specialties (ICU, ER, NICU, oncology) have the most leverage

Beyond Base Salary, Negotiate

Sign-on bonus ($10K-$30K, often $50K+ for hard-to-fill roles)Tuition reimbursement and certification stipendsLoan repayment programs (especially federal/HRSA-eligible)Shift differentials (nights +15%, weekends +10%)Relocation package and housing stipend

What To Say

"Given the current shortage in this specialty and my certifications, I'm looking for $X base plus shift differential and a sign-on bonus. What flexibility do you have on those line items?"

Anchor on $163K–$206K for experienced roles, citing San Francisco market data and your specific Telehealth/Epic EHR expertise.

Registered Nurse Salary FAQ — San Francisco

What is the average Registered Nurse salary in San Francisco, CA?
The average Registered Nurse salary in San Francisco is $133,409 per year as of April 2026 — $11,117/month, $2,566/week, or about $64/hour. Salaries range from $98,766 (entry, 25th percentile) up to $205,654 (experienced, 90th percentile). Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics adjusted for San Francisco's cost-of-living multiplier (1.55×).
Is $133,409 a good Registered Nurse salary in San Francisco?
Below comfortable threshold. After adjusting for the local cost of living, real purchasing power falls below what most economists consider a comfortable middle-class wage. Roommates, longer commutes, or a second income are typically required to make the numbers work. San Francisco's cost-of-living index is 244 (vs 100 nationally), giving $133,409 a real purchasing power of approximately $54,676 in national terms. Difficult on the median - the nominal salary masks how little real purchasing power remains after rent, taxes, and basic costs.
Can you live on $133,409 in San Francisco?
Median pay is below HUD's low-income threshold for a family of four in some of these metros (notably San Francisco, where $104K qualifies as 'low income'). Raising a family on the median typically requires two earners, a long commute, or family help with housing. Spending 30% on rent is impossible at the median in this market - most workers spend 40-50% or take roommates well into their 30s. HUD classifies anything over 30% as 'cost-burdened' here. For San Francisco specifically (median home price $1,300,000), a $133,409 salary is below the comfortable threshold for the area — most residents at this level have roommates or commute from cheaper suburbs.
Is $133,409 enough for a single person in San Francisco?
A single adult in San Francisco typically needs ~$109,800 for a comfortable lifestyle (housing, food, transport, healthcare, modest savings). A $133,409 salary is above that threshold — a single person can live comfortably with reasonable budgeting.
Is $133,409 enough for a couple in San Francisco?
A couple (one earner) in San Francisco typically needs ~$175,680 for a comfortable lifestyle. A $133,409 salary as the sole household income is below the comfortable threshold — most couples at this level need both partners working or significant lifestyle adjustments. Two earners at $133,409 each ($266,818 household) provides solid middle-class comfort.
Is $133,409 enough for a family of 4 in San Francisco?
A family of 4 (one earner) in San Francisco typically needs ~$268,400 for a comfortable middle-class lifestyle (housing for 4, childcare/school, food, healthcare, transport, savings). A $133,409 salary as the sole household income is below the comfortable threshold — most families need a second income or to live in cheaper suburbs/exurbs of San Francisco. Childcare costs in San Francisco typically run $37K-$68K per child per year.
What is the take-home pay for a Registered Nurse in San Francisco?
On a $133,409 Registered Nurse salary in San Francisco, CA, you take home approximately $94,504.557 per year ($7,875/month, $3,635 per biweekly paycheck) after taxes. Breakdown: federal $21,361.16, state $7,337.495, FICA $10,205.789. Effective tax rate: 29.2%. (Single filer, standard deduction, no other adjustments.)
How much do Registered Nurses in San Francisco earn compared to the US average?
Registered Nurses in San Francisco earn approximately 55% more than the US national median for this role ($86,070 nationally vs $133,409 in San Francisco). However, San Francisco's cost-of-living index of 244 means real purchasing power is approximately $54,676 when adjusted for local prices.
What does an entry-level Registered Nurse earn in San Francisco?
Entry-level Registered Nurses in San Francisco typically start at around $100,750 (0–2 years experience). With 5+ years, Registered Nurses earn $162,750 or more. Top earners (90th percentile) reach $205,654+, typically at senior or lead levels with specialized skills.
Did Registered Nurse salaries in San Francisco increase in 2026?
Yes — Registered Nurse salaries in San Francisco grew approximately 560.0% year-over-year, from $20,213 in 2025 to $133,409 in 2026 (+$113,196). This reflects the broader Healthcare sector's compensation trend, driven by Telehealth and Epic EHR demand.
What's the job outlook for Registered Nurses in San Francisco?
RN employment projected to grow 6% through 2034, with 194,500 openings annually. Chronic shortage continues, driving competitive salaries and signing bonuses. San Francisco's top industries include Tech (FAANG, AI), Finance, Biotech, and the metro's current unemployment rate is 4.5% — steady demand for skilled workers.
What skills are most in demand for Registered Nurses in 2026?
The hottest 2026 skills for Registered Nurses are: Telehealth, Epic EHR, BSN credential, Specialty certifications, NLC compact license. ATS systems specifically scan for these keywords. Adding them to your resume — naturally and in context — significantly improves your match rate with employers in San Francisco.
Who are the top employers hiring Registered Nurses in San Francisco?
Top employers hiring Registered Nurses in or near San Francisco include: HCA Healthcare, Kaiser Permanente, Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, CommonSpirit Health, Veterans Health. Most use ATS software (Workday, Greenhouse, Taleo, iCIMS) to screen resumes — meaning your resume must be ATS-optimized to even get a human reader.
How do I negotiate a higher Registered Nurse salary in San Francisco?
Given the current shortage in this specialty and my certifications, I'm looking for $X base plus shift differential and a sign-on bonus. What flexibility do you have on those line items? Key leverage points for Healthcare negotiations: Specialty certifications (CCRN, OCS, BCPS, FNP) command 8-15% premiums; Compact license / multi-state authority and willingness to float between units; Night, weekend, and holiday shift differentials add up to $10K-$25K annually. Beyond base salary, negotiate for: Sign-on bonus ($10K-$30K, often $50K+ for hard-to-fill roles), Tuition reimbursement and certification stipends, Loan repayment programs (especially federal/HRSA-eligible), Shift differentials (nights +15%, weekends +10%).
How can I increase my Registered Nurse salary in San Francisco?
Three highest-leverage moves: (1) Add 2026's hot skills (Telehealth, Epic EHR, BSN credential) — they command 15-30% premiums. (2) Get a recognized certification (e.g., NCLEX-RN or BLS/ACLS). (3) Tailor your resume to each role's keywords — CVCraft's ATS scanner shows you exactly what's missing.
What education do I need to become a Registered Nurse in San Francisco?
BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) increasingly preferred over ADN is the typical path. However, San Francisco's competitive market increasingly values demonstrable skills, portfolios, and certifications alongside (or in place of) traditional degrees — particularly for Healthcare roles.

Methodology & Sources

Registered Nurse salary figures for San Francisco are computed by adjusting the BLS national median ($86,070) by San Francisco's cost-of-living multiplier of 1.55× — a composite of regional wage data and price parities. Year-over-year change (560.0%) reflects the Healthcare sector's 2025-2026 wage growth per BLS Employment Cost Index trends. Last reviewed April 28, 2026.

Data Sources

Related Roles in San Francisco

Nurse Practitioner →Pharmacist →Physical Therapist →Occupational Therapist →Physician →Dentist →

Registered Nurse Salary in Other Cities

Los Angeles, CA$110KSan Diego, CA$102KFresno, CA$82KSacramento, CA$93KLong Beach, CA$103KOakland, CA$120K

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