Registered Nurses Salary in San Luis Obispo, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA

Median annual salary $133,470 +42.6% vs national
Median hourly $64.17
10th percentile $98,880
90th percentile $196,030
Employed locally 1,950
National median $93,600

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Registered Nurses
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San Luis Obispo, CA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $98,880
    25th
    $105,380
    50th (median)
    $133,470
    75th
    $193,320
    90th
    $196,030

    San Luis Obispo economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.10% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $93,398 2023 • Census ACS
    Registered Nurses salary vs area income 143% Median Registered Nurses salary is 43% above the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Registered Nurses

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $208,940
    Vallejo, CA $192,470
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $188,020
    Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA $178,900
    Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA $172,390
    Modesto, CA $169,460

    Nearby metros — Registered Nurses salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $208,940
    Vallejo, CA $192,470
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $188,020
    Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA $178,900
    Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA $172,390
    Modesto, CA $169,460

    Related occupations in San Luis Obispo, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $77,500
    Pharmacy Technicians $48,880
    Pharmacists $170,480
    Dental Hygienists $121,100
    Physical Therapists $99,700
    Veterinary Technologists and Technicians $49,350

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Registered Nurses make per hour in San Luis Obispo?

    The median hourly wage for Registered Nurses in San Luis Obispo, CA is $64.17, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $95.93 or more per hour.

    Is San Luis Obispo above or below average for Registered Nurses salaries?

    The median Registered Nurses salary in San Luis Obispo, CA is 42.6% above the national median of $93,600. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Registered Nurses in San Luis Obispo?

    Entry-level Registered Nurses (10th percentile) earn around $98,880 per year in San Luis Obispo, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $105,380.