San Diego vs Oxnard: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between San Diego, CA and Oxnard, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | Oxnard, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $146,929▲ | $138,125 |
| Hourly Rate | $70.64▲ | $66.41 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $107,922▲ | $99,371 |
| 25th Percentile | $135,197▲ | $112,513 |
| 75th Percentile | $178,943▲ | $171,181 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $184,514▲ | $178,795 |
| Total Employed | 28,680▲ | 5,710 |
Verdict
San Diego, CA offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Oxnard.
The salary gap between San Diego and Oxnard is $8,804 (6.37%). San Diego's median is +43.02% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Diego spans $76,592,Oxnard spans $79,424. Oxnard 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 Diego ($131,319 effective) pays 5.09% more than Oxnard ($124,962 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($146,929/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($184,514)
- ✓Larger job market (28,680 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $131,319)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Oxnard if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in San Diego grew 32.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 37.6% growth in Oxnard over the same period.
San Diego, CA
$105,100 (2019) → $139,520 (2025)
Oxnard, CA
$95,310 (2019) → $131,160 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Diego, CA
Oxnard, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: San Diego or Oxnard?
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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