Sacramento vs San Diego: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Sacramento, CA and San Diego, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sacramento, CA | San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $177,944▲ | $169,513 |
| Hourly Rate | $85.55▲ | $81.50 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $109,181 | $135,913▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $154,503▲ | $140,082 |
| 75th Percentile | $229,649▲ | $187,369 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $248,383▲ | $223,080 |
| Total Employed | 1,170 | 2,340▲ |
Verdict
Sacramento, CA offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Diego.
The salary gap between Sacramento and San Diego is $8,431 (4.97%). 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 Sacramento spans $139,202,San Diego spans $87,167. Sacramento 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, Sacramento ($166,817 effective) pays 10.11% more than San Diego ($151,504 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($177,944/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($248,383)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $166,817)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,340 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Sacramento grew 29.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 33.7% growth in San Diego over the same period.
Sacramento, CA
$132,620 (2019) → $172,010 (2025)
San Diego, CA
$122,580 (2019) → $163,860 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sacramento, CA
San Diego, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Sacramento or San Diego?
What is the hourly rate difference between Sacramento and San Diego?
Should I relocate from Sacramento to San Diego as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Sacramento vs San Diego?
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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