Carson City vs Reno: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Carson City, NV and Reno, NV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Carson City, NV | Reno, NV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $131,109 | $142,099▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $63.03 | $68.32▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $102,870 | $109,957▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $117,778▲ | $113,867 |
| 75th Percentile | $155,510 | $158,713▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $172,253 | $173,413▲ |
| Total Employed | 14 | 420▲ |
Verdict
Reno, NV offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Carson City.
The salary gap between Carson City and Reno is $10,990 (8.38%). Reno's median is +3.82% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Carson City spans $69,383,Reno spans $63,456. Carson City 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, Reno ($140,673 effective) pays 5.47% more than Carson City ($133,376 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Carson City if…
- ✓You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle
Choose Reno if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($142,099/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($173,413)
- ✓Larger job market (420 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $140,673)
- ✓You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Carson City grew 2.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.2% growth in Reno over the same period.
Carson City, NV
$123,230 (2019) → $126,737 (2025)
Reno, NV
$120,230 (2019) → $137,360 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Carson City, NV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Carson City or Reno?
What is the hourly rate difference between Carson City and Reno?
Should I relocate from Carson City to Reno as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Carson City vs Reno?
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