Los Angeles vs San Francisco: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Los Angeles, CA and San Francisco, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $142,758 | $196,519▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $68.64 | $94.47▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $106,342 | $125,624▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $118,021 | $144,401▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $176,710 | $227,080▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $183,450 | $235,652▲ |
| Total Employed | 109,360▲ | 41,750 |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and San Francisco is $53,761 (37.66%). 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 Los Angeles spans $77,108,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 35.22% more than Los Angeles ($125,705 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Larger job market (109,360 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($196,519/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($235,652)
- ✓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 Los Angeles grew 27.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 31.7% growth in San Francisco over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$105,950 (2019) → $135,560 (2025)
San Francisco, CA
$141,640 (2019) → $186,610 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
San Francisco, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Los Angeles or San Francisco?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and San Francisco?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to San Francisco as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Los Angeles vs San Francisco?
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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