San Francisco vs Sacramento: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between San Francisco, CA and Sacramento, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Francisco, CA | Sacramento, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $226,638▲ | $177,944 |
| Hourly Rate | $108.96▲ | $85.55 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $158,568▲ | $109,181 |
| 25th Percentile | $182,579▲ | $154,503 |
| 75th Percentile | $250,256▲ | $229,649 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $283,412▲ | $248,383 |
| Total Employed | 3,110▲ | 1,170 |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sacramento.
The salary gap between San Francisco and Sacramento is $48,694 (27.36%). San Francisco's median is +65.59% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Francisco spans $124,844,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, San Francisco ($196,032 effective) pays 17.51% 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 San Francisco if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($226,638/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($283,412)
- ✓Larger job market (3,110 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $196,032)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in San Francisco grew 58.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 29.7% growth in Sacramento over the same period.
San Francisco, CA
$138,100 (2019) → $219,080 (2025)
Sacramento, CA
$132,620 (2019) → $172,010 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Francisco, CA
Sacramento, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: San Francisco or Sacramento?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Francisco and Sacramento?
Should I relocate from San Francisco to Sacramento as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in San Francisco 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