Arecibo vs San Juan: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Arecibo, PR and San Juan, PR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arecibo, PR | San Juan, PR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $39,449 | $44,209▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.97 | $21.25▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $28,170 | $38,744▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $34,794 | $40,839▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $45,399 | $53,297▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $60,553 | $65,566▲ |
| Total Employed | 870 | 14,940▲ |
Verdict
San Juan, PR offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Arecibo.
The salary gap between Arecibo and San Juan is $4,760 (12.07%). San Juan's median is -56.97% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Arecibo spans $32,383,San Juan spans $26,822. Arecibo has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arecibo if…
- ✓You prefer the Puerto Rico area and lifestyle
Choose San Juan if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($44,209/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($65,566)
- ✓Larger job market (14,940 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Puerto Rico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Arecibo grew 24.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 24.1% growth in San Juan over the same period.
Arecibo, PR
$30,040 (2019) → $37,460 (2025)
San Juan, PR
$33,820 (2019) → $41,980 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arecibo, PR
San Juan, PR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Arecibo or San Juan?
What is the hourly rate difference between Arecibo and San Juan?
Should I relocate from Arecibo to San Juan as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Arecibo vs San Juan?
Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov