Merced vs Sacramento: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Merced, CA and Sacramento, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Merced, CA | Sacramento, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $164,227 | $177,944▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $78.95 | $85.55▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $134,061▲ | $109,181 |
| 25th Percentile | $143,527 | $154,503▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $167,403 | $229,649▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $202,452 | $248,383▲ |
| Total Employed | 100 | 1,170▲ |
Verdict
Sacramento, CA offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Merced.
The salary gap between Merced and Sacramento is $13,717 (8.35%). Sacramento's median is +30.02% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Merced spans $68,391,Sacramento spans $139,202. Sacramento has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse practitioners.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Merced ($167,110 effective) pays 0.18% more than Sacramento ($166,817 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Merced if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $167,110)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($177,944/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($248,383)
- ✓Larger job market (1,170 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Merced grew 15.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 29.7% growth in Sacramento over the same period.
Merced, CA
$137,350 (2019) → $158,750 (2025)
Sacramento, CA
$132,620 (2019) → $172,010 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Merced, CA
Sacramento, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Merced or Sacramento?
What is the hourly rate difference between Merced and Sacramento?
Should I relocate from Merced to Sacramento as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Merced vs Sacramento?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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 Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov