Tech epicenter — highest tech wages on Earth. Here's how Registered Nurse (RN)s in San Francisco get paid in 2026.
How pay scales with career stage in the San Francisco metro market.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $107,500 | $81,600 | $139,700 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $133,600 | $101,500 | $173,700 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $153,600 | $116,700 | $199,700 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $184,300 | $140,000 | $239,600 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $208,800 | $158,700 | $271,500 |
Highest-paying metros for Registered Nurse (RN)s — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the San Francisco metro economy.
The average Registered Nurse (RN) salary in the San Francisco metro is $153,600 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $116,700 to $199,700 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $253,400 or more.
Yes — San Francisco pays +0% relative to the California state median for Registered Nurse (RN)s. Major metros typically concentrate higher-paying employers and command a wage premium over rural and small-city areas in the same state.
San Francisco vs. national: +62%. That puts San Francisco among the stronger US markets for Registered Nurse (RN)s — though cost of living in San Francisco is also typically elevated.
In San Francisco, the median Registered Nurse (RN) salary of $153,600 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level Registered Nurse (RN)s in San Francisco start around $107,500, while seniors (10+ years) reach $184,300 or more.
Metro medians are useful benchmarks — but your exact number depends on your experience, education, and the specific employer. Run the free calculator for a personalized read.
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