Indio vs San Francisco: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Indio, CA and San Francisco, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Indio, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $139,318 | $196,519▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $66.98 | $94.47▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $102,122 | $125,624▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $116,858 | $144,401▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $161,919 | $227,080▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $197,746 | $235,652▲ |
| Total Employed | 23 | 41,750▲ |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Indio.
The salary gap between Indio and San Francisco is $57,201 (41.06%). San Francisco's median is +91.30% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Indio spans $95,624,San Francisco spans $110,028. San Francisco has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced registered nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, San Francisco ($169,980 effective) pays 37.99% more than Indio ($123,181 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Indio if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($196,519/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($235,652)
- ✓Larger job market (41,750 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $169,980)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Indio grew -13.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.7% growth in San Francisco over the same period.
Indio, CA
$152,127 (2024) → $132,293 (2025)
San Francisco, CA
$141,640 (2019) → $186,610 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Francisco, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Indio or San Francisco?
What is the hourly rate difference between Indio and San Francisco?
Should I relocate from Indio to San Francisco as a registered nurse?
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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