In San Diego, CA, Registered Nurses earn a median of $132,750 a year — about 41% above the U.S. median of $94,480. Among the 50 metros tracked here for this role, that ranks #5.
What that pay is worth in San Diego
Local prices run 112 on the BEA cost-of-living index (U.S. = 100), so a $133,790 salary buys less than it looks — about $119,576 in national-average buying power.
Can Registered Nurses afford a home in San Diego?
A typical San Diego home runs about $848,500 — 6.3 times the average Registered Nurse salary, a stretch against the classic 3x rule of thumb. Median rent near $2,223/mo takes roughly 20% of gross pay — within the 30% comfort line.
The Registered Nurse pay ladder in San Diego
Entry-level (10th percentile) Registered Nurses earn about $98,350; the top 10% reach $168,810 — a $70,460 spread, wide for this field. Most of that gap comes down to experience, employer, and how hard you negotiate.
The Registered Nurse job market in San Diego
San Diego employs roughly 24,420 Registered Nurses. It’s a sizable local market to build a career in.
Compare San Diego with other cities
See the full Registered Nurse salary by city ranking to weigh San Diego against the other metros on both pay and cost-adjusted value, or use the cost-of-living calculator to compare any two cities directly.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Registered Nurses make in San Diego?
The average Registered Nurse in San Diego, CA earns about $133,790 per year, 41.6% above the national average of $94,480.
What is the take-home pay for Registered Nurses in San Diego after taxes?
After federal and CA taxes, this $133,790 salary is worth about $94,345 a year - roughly $7,862 a month in take-home pay, an effective tax rate near 29%.
What do the highest-paid Registered Nurses earn in San Diego?
The top 10% of Registered Nurses in San Diego earn about $168,810 a year, versus about $98,350 for the bottom 10%.
Can Registered Nurses afford a home in San Diego?
A typical San Diego home runs about $848,500 - roughly 6.3x this salary, a stretch by the 3x rule, so budgeting discipline matters.