Fontana vs San Diego: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Fontana, CA and San Diego, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fontana, CA | San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $178,681▲ | $169,513 |
| Hourly Rate | $85.90▲ | $81.50 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $126,615 | $135,913▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $151,471▲ | $140,082 |
| 75th Percentile | $215,815▲ | $187,369 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $243,458▲ | $223,080 |
| Total Employed | 32 | 2,340▲ |
Verdict
Fontana, CA offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Diego.
The salary gap between Fontana and San Diego is $9,168 (5.41%). Fontana's median is +30.55% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fontana spans $116,843,San Diego spans $87,167. Fontana 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, Fontana ($157,985 effective) pays 4.28% 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 Fontana if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($178,681/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($243,458)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $157,985)
- ✓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 Fontana grew -10.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 33.7% growth in San Diego over the same period.
Fontana, CA
$192,890 (2024) → $172,722 (2025)
San Diego, CA
$122,580 (2019) → $163,860 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fontana, CA
San Diego, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Fontana or San Diego?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fontana and San Diego?
Should I relocate from Fontana to San Diego as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Fontana 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