Salary distribution
Where San Francisco registered nurses fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $150,580 and $212,190, with a median of $188,020.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.6 / 5
Psychology
Knowledge
- 4.4 / 5
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge
- 4.4 / 5
Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge
- 4.2 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Deductive Reasoning
Ability
- 4.1 / 5
Social Perceptiveness
Technical
- 4.1 / 5
Problem Sensitivity
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Speaking
Basic skill
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Record patients' medical information and vital signs.
- 02
Administer medications to patients and monitor patients for reactions or side effects.
- 03
Maintain accurate, detailed reports and records.
- 04
Monitor, record, and report symptoms or changes in patients' conditions.
- 05
Provide health care, first aid, immunizations, or assistance in convalescence or rehabilitation in locations such as schools, hospitals, or industry.
- 06
Consult and coordinate with healthcare team members to assess, plan, implement, or evaluate patient care plans.
- 07
Direct or supervise less-skilled nursing or healthcare personnel or supervise a particular unit.
- 08
Monitor all aspects of patient care, including diet and physical activity.
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Explore coursesOther metros in California
How the San Francisco metro compares to other major California metro areas for registered nurses.
- San Jose$208,940
- Sacramento$169,210
- Los Angeles$133,440
- San Diego$133,090
- Riverside$130,160
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Registered Nurses in San Francisco, California?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Registered Nurses in the San Francisco metropolitan area is $188,020.
- Does San Francisco pay more than the California state average for Registered Nurses?
- The San Francisco metro median is +34.0% versus the California state median of $140,330.
- How does San Francisco compare to the national median for Registered Nurses?
- The San Francisco metro median is +98.9% versus the BLS national figure of $94,511.
- What is the salary range for Registered Nurses in San Francisco?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $120,210 and the 90th-percentile at $221,890 for the San Francisco metro area.
- What education is required for Registered Nurses?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the San Francisco CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.