Nurse Practitioner Salary in Downey, CA: $173,976 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time nurse practitioner in Downey, CA earns a median $173,976/year (≈ $83.64/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1171). Once you factor in Downey's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $153,825 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For nurse practitioners in Downey, California, the projected median annual salary of $173,976 in 2026 significantly outpaces the national median of $136,864, reflecting a 27.12% premium compared to the national average. The local salary range runs from approximately $124,439 at the 10th percentile to $239,587 at the 90th percentile. Nurse practitioners in full-practice states like California enjoy broader autonomy, which can attract higher salaries, especially in busy urban areas. With estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, the solid pay structure is indicative of a competitive local job market where the demand for qualified practitioners continues to grow.
About the Downey Market
Salary estimated from California average ($164,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $124,439 | $59.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $154,729 | $74.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $173,976 | $83.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $212,237 | $102.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $239,587 | $115.18 |
Median Salary Position
27.12% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Downey
In Downey, CA, the nurse practitioner salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $115,148 (2026 est.). At $173,976, the local median is 27.12% above the national median of $136,864.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Downey: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Downey Nurse Practitioner Pay Compares
Downey median: $173,976/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Downey Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $171,743 | +1.30% more |
| National Average | $136,864 | +27.12% more |
Nurse Practitioners in Downey, CA earn a median of $173,976 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.12% higher than the national median of $136,864 and 1.30% above the California state average of $171,743.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Downey has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Downey, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $173,976 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $153,825 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$139,598
2025 BLS Actual
$168,174
2026 Current Est.
$173,976
2019–2027 Growth
+28.9%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Practitioners in Downey (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.45% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $139,598 | Actual |
| 2020 | $141,963 | Actual |
| 2021 | $153,403 | Actual |
| 2022 | $154,585 | Actual |
| 2023 | $160,496 | Actual |
| 2024 | $187,811 | Actual |
| 2025 | $168,174 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $173,976 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $179,978 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Downey metropolitan area, the median nurse practitioner salary grew 20.5% from $139,598 (2019) to $168,174 (2025). At a 3.45% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $179,978 by 2027 — a total increase of $40,380 (28.93%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Downey metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.45% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $124,439 – $154,729 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $154,729 – $173,976 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $173,976 – $212,237 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $212,237 – $239,587 |
NP salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual nurse practitioner compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Nurse Practitioner Job Market in Downey
In terms of local dynamics, Downey has 22 nurse practitioners currently in practice, presenting a fairly concentrated labor market. The cost of living index sits at 113.1, suggesting that while incomes are higher than average, purchasing power may be constrained compared to less expensive regions. Among local employers, outpatient clinics and urgent care chains typically offer the most competitive compensation packages. Variations in salaries often stem from different specialty focuses, with psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners commanding premium rates due to increasing mental health needs. Strategies to enhance earnings may include pursuing certification in high-demand specialties or exploring telehealth opportunities, where additional income streams can be generated. Understanding these factors is essential for maximizing nurse practitioner pay in Downey, CA.
More salary data for Downey, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $168,174 for nurse practitionersin the Downey metropolitan area. A 3.45% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Downey is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.45%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for nurse practitioners (SOC 29-1171).
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