In San Francisco, CA, Registered Nurses earn a median of $181,240 a year — about 92% above the U.S. median of $94,480. Among the 50 metros tracked here for this role, that ranks #2.
What that pay is worth in San Francisco
Local prices run 116 on the BEA cost-of-living index (U.S. = 100), so a $174,370 salary buys less than it looks — about $150,822 in national-average buying power.
Can Registered Nurses afford a home in San Francisco?
A typical San Francisco home runs about $1,380,500 — 7.9 times the average Registered Nurse salary, a stretch against the classic 3x rule of thumb. Median rent near $2,419/mo takes roughly 17% of gross pay — within the 30% comfort line.
The Registered Nurse pay ladder in San Francisco
Entry-level (10th percentile) Registered Nurses earn about $119,010; the top 10% reach $221,840 — a $102,830 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 Francisco
San Francisco employs roughly 40,620 Registered Nurses. It’s a sizable local market to build a career in.
Compare San Francisco with other cities
See the full Registered Nurse salary by city ranking to weigh San Francisco 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 Francisco?
The average Registered Nurse in San Francisco, CA earns about $174,370 per year, 84.6% above the national average of $94,480.
What is the take-home pay for Registered Nurses in San Francisco after taxes?
After federal and CA taxes, this $174,370 salary is worth about $118,308 a year - roughly $9,859 a month in take-home pay, an effective tax rate near 32%.
What do the highest-paid Registered Nurses earn in San Francisco?
The top 10% of Registered Nurses in San Francisco earn about $221,840 a year, versus about $119,010 for the bottom 10%.
Can Registered Nurses afford a home in San Francisco?
A typical San Francisco home runs about $1,380,500 - roughly 7.9x this salary, a stretch by the 3x rule, so budgeting discipline matters.