HealthcareOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Registered Nurse Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$195,699/yr
Typical range: $183,405 – $216,125
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Registered Nurse salary by experience level in San Francisco
Registered Nurse Salary Progression in San Francisco
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $107,023 | $8,919 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $131,485 | $10,957 | +23% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $145,755 | $12,146 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $161,452 | $13,454 | +51% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $195,699 | $16,308 | +83% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $225,054 | $18,755 | +110% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $232,393 | $19,366 | +117% |
Current Salary
$195,699
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $94/hr
Next Level Target
$225,054
Principal · 14
+$29Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
42/100
Below Average
+6% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Registered Nurse salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Registered Nurses in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $196K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Registered Nurse make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $196K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $94/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Registered Nurse in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Registered Nurse in San Francisco, CA earns $183K–$216K/yr.