Nurse salary in San Diego
Registered nurses in the San Diego, CA area earn about $139,520 a year ($67.08/hr) — about 43% above the U.S. average. City figures are estimates based on national pay and local cost of living — a starting point, not a guaranteed local wage.
Registered nurse — San Diego, CA
Verified public wage dataMedian annual pay
$139,520
+43% vs nationalHourly
$67.08/hr
- Typical range
- $128,380–$169,920
- What most nurses earn
- High end
- $175,210
- Top earners
- Entry level
- $102,480
- Newer nurses
Part of California. See statewide nurse pay and other metros.
Nurse roles in San Diego
Estimated median pay by role.
| Role | Median | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $139,520 | Verified public wage data |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $79,720 | Verified public wage data |
| Nurse Practitioner | $163,860 | Verified public wage data |
| Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist | $321,760 | Estimated |
| Travel Nurse | $174,400 | Specialty estimate |
| ICU Nurse | $156,260 | Specialty estimate |
| Nurse Manager | $181,380 | Specialty estimate |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) | $48,070 | Verified public wage data |
All nurse roles in San Diego
Estimated pay for every nurse type in the San Diego, CA area — open one for the full local breakdown.
What affects nurse pay in San Diego
High pay, high cost of living. Beyond that, local nurse pay reflects the cost of living, the concentration of major hospital systems and academic medical centers, union contracts, and how competitive staffing is. Nights, weekends, and critical-care specialties typically add to base pay. Estimate your own with the calculator.
Where this figure comes from
This is the actual median wage reported for San Diego, CA in official U.S. government wage data — about 43% above the U.S. average. It is measured from employer-reported payroll, not estimated from a national average.
In San Diego, CA, the lowest-paid 10% earn about $102,480 and the highest-paid 10% about $175,210. Where you land depends on specialty, shift, overtime, union status, employer type, and years of experience.
Source year: 2025. Updated when new official wage data is published.
How to use this metro figure
- It’s the median actually reported for San Diego — half of nurses earn more, half earn less. A midpoint, not an offer you’re guaranteed.
- Your actual pay shifts with role and specialty, care setting, shift, overtime, union status, and years of experience — so compare a role-specific page and personalize the calculator.
- Reviewed salary submissions from nurses in San Diego make this page more precise over time.
Source & confidence— A verified figure from official U.S. public wage data.
BLS OEWS (May 2025, metro)
San Diego, CA figures are published directly by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA (May 2025). They are not estimated or adjusted.
Source year 2025. Last reviewed July 17, 2026. Full methodology
Last reviewed July 17, 2026.