San Francisco vs San Diego: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between San Francisco, CA and San Diego, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Francisco, CA | San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,725▲ | $51,195 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.71▲ | $24.61 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,736▲ | $43,047 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,261▲ | $49,746 |
| 75th Percentile | $62,760▲ | $54,954 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $75,125▲ | $64,443 |
| Total Employed | 11,790▲ | 9,670 |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for certified nursing assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to San Diego.
The salary gap between San Francisco and San Diego is $8,530 (16.66%). San Francisco's median is +32.70% compared to the US national median of $45,007.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Francisco spans $25,389,San Diego spans $21,396. San Francisco has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, San Francisco ($51,659 effective) pays 12.90% more than San Diego ($45,756 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($59,725/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($75,125)
- ✓Larger job market (11,790 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,659)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, certified nursing assistant salaries in San Francisco grew 35.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 34.2% growth in San Diego over the same period.
San Francisco, CA
$41,410 (2019) → $56,080 (2025)
San Diego, CA
$35,830 (2019) → $48,070 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Francisco, CA
San Diego, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: San Francisco or San Diego?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Francisco and San Diego?
Should I relocate from San Francisco to San Diego as a certified nursing assistant?
What do entry-level certified nursing assistants earn in San Francisco vs San Diego?
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Written by Emily Chen, BSN, RN
Career Analyst
Emily has over 10 years of experience in nursing. She focuses on workforce trends in nursing. Emily has worked in various healthcare settings, including hospitals and long-term care facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.50% 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 Emily Chen, BSN, RN, a licensed certified nursing assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov