Fairfield vs Los Angeles: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Fairfield, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fairfield, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $177,155▲ | $167,041 |
| Hourly Rate | $85.17▲ | $80.31 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $132,337▲ | $124,088 |
| 25th Percentile | $154,727▲ | $137,837 |
| 75th Percentile | $209,451▲ | $184,958 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $232,054▲ | $223,638 |
| Total Employed | 25 | 10,060▲ |
Verdict
Fairfield, CA offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between Fairfield and Los Angeles is $10,114 (6.05%). Fairfield's median is +29.44% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fairfield spans $99,717,Los Angeles spans $99,550. Fairfield 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, Fairfield ($156,636 effective) pays 6.49% more than Los Angeles ($147,087 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fairfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($177,155/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($232,054)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $156,636)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Larger job market (10,060 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Fairfield grew -10.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.7% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Fairfield, CA
$191,243 (2024) → $171,247 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$131,620 (2019) → $161,470 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fairfield, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Fairfield or Los Angeles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fairfield and Los Angeles?
Should I relocate from Fairfield to Los Angeles as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Fairfield vs Los Angeles?
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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