🩺 Official Bureau of Labor Statistics & Tech Benchmark (2026)

Registered Nurse (RN) Salary in San Jose, CA

Detailed compensation breakdown, percentiles, and market demand for Registered Nurse (RN) in San Jose, CA.

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Verified Compensation Research: Analytically verified by Jobflixs Labor Analytics Team • Primary Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), SEC 10-K filings & H-1B Disclosures (2026). View Methodology →
Demand: +6%
$121,040
/ year (Median Base Pay)
💵 Hourly Equivalent: $58.19/hr
📊 80% Range: $88,400 – $183,600
📍 Regional Multiplier: +36% vs National Baseline
10th % Entry $88,400
25th % Junior $104,720
50th % Median $121,040
75th % Senior $152,320
90th % Top 10% $183,600
Base Annual Salary $121,040
Target Annual Bonus $14,525
Annual Stock / Equity $26,629
Total Compensation (TC) $162,194
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Fact-Checked & Methodologically Verified by the SalaryPulse Research Team.
Data Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS Survey), DOL Certified H-1B Disclosures & Public SEC 10-K Filings. Learn about our formula →
Live Opportunities (Salary Transparency)

Verified Registered Nurse (RN) Openings in San Jose, CA

Top employers actively hiring near or above the $121,040/yr median benchmark.

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Salary Progression by Experience Level in San Jose, CA

Estimated pay progression across career stages for Registered Nurse (RN)

Entry-Level (0 - 2 yrs)

Junior Registered Nurse (RN)

Recent graduates and early career entrants.

Median Pay
$88,400
Mid-Level (2 - 5 yrs)

Registered Nurse (RN)

Autonomous execution and domain proficiency.

Median Pay
$121,040
Senior (5 - 8 yrs)

Senior Registered Nurse (RN)

System architecture, mentorship, and project leadership.

Median Pay
$152,320
Lead / Principal (8+ yrs)

Staff / Principal

Strategic direction and cross-functional technical decisions.

Median Pay
$183,600

Registered Nurse (RN) Salary in Other US Locations

Compare regional earnings and cost-of-living adjustments

San Francisco, CA

COL Index: 179.5%
$122,820

San Jose, CA

COL Index: 174.2%
$121,040

New York, NY

COL Index: 186%
$119,260

Seattle, WA

COL Index: 148%
$113,920

Hawaii

COL Index: 179%
$113,920

Oakland, CA

COL Index: 155%
$113,920

Boston, MA

COL Index: 149%
$111,250

California

COL Index: 142%
$111,250

Role Profile & Career Requirements

Registered Nurses provide direct patient care, administer medications, monitor clinical recovery, and coordinate with doctors across hospital and outpatient facilities.

Required Education
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) + NCLEX-RN License
Experience Benchmark
1-3 years
10-Year Projected Growth
+6%

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Registered Nurse (RN) make in San Jose, CA?

The median annual salary for a Registered Nurse (RN) in San Jose, CA is $121,040, with entry-level professionals earning around $88,400 and top 10% senior specialists earning up to $183,600.

What is the average hourly rate for a Registered Nurse (RN) in San Jose, CA?

On average, a Registered Nurse (RN) in San Jose, CA makes approximately $58.19 per hour based on a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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