Intro
Discover the top 10 RN jobs in San Jose, CA, offering competitive salaries and growth opportunities. From ICU and ER nursing to pediatric and oncology care, explore the best registered nurse positions in San Joses top hospitals and healthcare facilities, including Stanford Health Care and Kaiser Permanente.
San Jose, the heart of Silicon Valley, is a hub for healthcare innovation and excellence. As a registered nurse (RN) looking to advance your career, San Jose offers a wide range of exciting job opportunities. With numerous top-ranked hospitals, medical centers, and healthcare organizations, San Jose provides RNs with a chance to work with diverse patient populations, cutting-edge technology, and a collaborative team environment. Here are the top 10 RN jobs in San Jose, along with their average salaries and growth prospects.

1. ICU Registered Nurse
ICU RNs in San Jose work in high-acuity settings, providing critical care to patients with life-threatening conditions. With a strong foundation in critical care nursing, ICU RNs in San Jose can expect an average salary of $143,000 per year.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assess and manage critically ill patients
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to develop care plans
- Administer medications and treatments
- Monitor patients' vital signs and respond to emergencies
2. Operating Room Registered Nurse
OR RNs in San Jose play a vital role in ensuring patient safety and comfort during surgical procedures. With expertise in perioperative care, OR RNs in San Jose can expect an average salary of $134,000 per year.
Key Responsibilities:
- Prepare patients for surgery
- Assist surgeons and anesthesiologists during procedures
- Maintain a sterile environment
- Monitor patients' vital signs and respond to emergencies

3. Pediatric Registered Nurse
Pediatric RNs in San Jose care for infants, children, and adolescents with various medical conditions. With a strong foundation in pediatric nursing, pediatric RNs in San Jose can expect an average salary of $129,000 per year.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assess and manage pediatric patients' health needs
- Develop and implement care plans
- Educate families on pediatric care and health promotion
- Administer medications and treatments
4. Labor and Delivery Registered Nurse
L&D RNs in San Jose provide care to expectant mothers and newborns during the antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum periods. With expertise in obstetric nursing, L&D RNs in San Jose can expect an average salary of $126,000 per year.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assess and manage pregnant patients' health needs
- Develop and implement care plans
- Assist with deliveries and postpartum care
- Educate new mothers on breastfeeding and newborn care

5. Emergency Department Registered Nurse
ED RNs in San Jose work in fast-paced environments, providing care to patients with acute injuries or illnesses. With a strong foundation in emergency nursing, ED RNs in San Jose can expect an average salary of $123,000 per year.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assess and manage patients' health needs in emergency situations
- Develop and implement care plans
- Administer medications and treatments
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure timely care
6. Oncology Registered Nurse
Oncology RNs in San Jose care for patients with cancer, providing chemotherapy, symptom management, and supportive care. With expertise in oncology nursing, oncology RNs in San Jose can expect an average salary of $121,000 per year.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assess and manage patients' health needs related to cancer
- Develop and implement care plans
- Administer chemotherapy and manage side effects
- Educate patients and families on cancer care and management

7. Critical Care Registered Nurse
Critical care RNs in San Jose work in high-acuity settings, providing care to patients with life-threatening conditions. With a strong foundation in critical care nursing, critical care RNs in San Jose can expect an average salary of $119,000 per year.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assess and manage critically ill patients
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to develop care plans
- Administer medications and treatments
- Monitor patients' vital signs and respond to emergencies
8. Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Registered Nurse
Cardiac cath lab RNs in San Jose work in specialized settings, providing care to patients undergoing cardiac procedures. With expertise in cardiac nursing, cardiac cath lab RNs in San Jose can expect an average salary of $117,000 per year.
Key Responsibilities:
- Prepare patients for cardiac procedures
- Assist physicians during procedures
- Monitor patients' vital signs and respond to emergencies
- Educate patients and families on cardiac care and management

9. Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse
NICU RNs in San Jose care for critically ill newborns, providing specialized care and support. With expertise in neonatal nursing, NICU RNs in San Jose can expect an average salary of $115,000 per year.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assess and manage critically ill newborns
- Develop and implement care plans
- Administer medications and treatments
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure timely care
10. Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse
Med-surg RNs in San Jose care for adult patients with various medical and surgical conditions. With a strong foundation in medical-surgical nursing, med-surg RNs in San Jose can expect an average salary of $113,000 per year.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assess and manage patients' health needs
- Develop and implement care plans
- Administer medications and treatments
- Educate patients and families on health promotion and disease management

As a registered nurse in San Jose, you have numerous opportunities to advance your career and make a meaningful difference in patients' lives. With competitive salaries, diverse patient populations, and opportunities for professional growth, San Jose is an ideal location for RNs looking to excel in their careers.
We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences as a registered nurse in San Jose. What are some of the most rewarding aspects of your job? What challenges do you face, and how do you overcome them? Share your stories and advice in the comments section below.
What is the average salary for RNs in San Jose?
+The average salary for RNs in San Jose varies depending on the specialty, experience, and employer. However, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for RNs in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Metropolitan Division was $124,000 in May 2020.
What are the most in-demand RN specialties in San Jose?
+According to data from the California Employment Development Department, the most in-demand RN specialties in San Jose include ICU, OR, pediatric, and oncology nursing.
How can I advance my RN career in San Jose?
+To advance your RN career in San Jose, consider pursuing specialized certifications, furthering your education, and gaining experience in high-demand specialties. Networking with other healthcare professionals and joining professional organizations can also help you stay up-to-date on industry trends and job opportunities.