Registered Nurse · Salary Comparison · 2026
Registered Nurse Salary: San Francisco, CA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Registered Nurses in San Francisco, CA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ San Francisco, CA
$130,000 vs $115,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Seattle, WA
$69,892 vs $70,988
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$58,575 vs $65,593
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | San Francisco, CA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $130,000▲ | $115,000 | +$15,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $100,000▲ | $88,000 | +$12,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $165,000▲ | $148,000 | +$17,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $200,000▲ | $180,000 | +$20,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 186 | 162 | +24 |
| State Income Tax | 9.3% | 0%▲ | +9.3% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $69,892 | $70,988▲ | -$1,096 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $108,949▲ | $106,260 | +$2,689 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $58,575 | $65,593▲ | -$7,018 |
| Total Employment | 28,000 | 32,000 | -4,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = San Francisco, CA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, San Francisco, CA pays $15,000 more (median: $130,000 vs $115,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 186 vs 162), Seattle, WA provides better purchasing power ($69,892 vs $70,988 equivalent). Seattle, WA has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage.
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Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS · 2026 · Cost-of-living indices from composite metro area data. Take-home estimates approximate only — consult a tax professional for accurate figures.