Hayward vs Los Angeles: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Hayward, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hayward, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $174,073▲ | $167,041 |
| Hourly Rate | $83.69▲ | $80.31 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $125,186▲ | $124,088 |
| 25th Percentile | $158,704▲ | $137,837 |
| 75th Percentile | $212,608▲ | $184,958 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $239,466▲ | $223,638 |
| Total Employed | 23 | 10,060▲ |
Verdict
Hayward, CA offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between Hayward and Los Angeles is $7,032 (4.21%). Hayward's median is +27.19% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hayward spans $114,280,Los Angeles spans $99,550. Hayward 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, Hayward ($153,911 effective) pays 4.64% 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 Hayward if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($174,073/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($239,466)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $153,911)
- ✓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 Hayward grew -10.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.7% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Hayward, CA
$187,916 (2024) → $168,268 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$131,620 (2019) → $161,470 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hayward, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Hayward or Los Angeles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hayward and Los Angeles?
Should I relocate from Hayward to Los Angeles as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Hayward vs Los Angeles?
Related Comparisons
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