Back to California
Nursing jobs in San Diego, California 2026
Metro-level context for San Diego — California's statewide RN market, top hospitals hiring in the San Diego area, and how the EB-3 sponsorship landscape looks locally.
Metro population
3.3M
RN employed (est.)
26,000
State median salary
$150,280
State shortage
45,500
Top hospitals hiring in San Diego
- • Scripps Health
- • Sharp HealthCare
- • UC San Diego Health
Why San Diego for international nurses
San Diego is one of California's largest RN markets with roughly 26,000 registered nurses employed. California has a 45,500 nurse shortage (8% of demand). Median RN salary in the state is $150,280, translating to $98,643 in national purchasing power after cost of living adjustment.