Los Angeles vs San Diego: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Los Angeles, CA and San Diego, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $167,041 | $169,513▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $80.31 | $81.50▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $124,088 | $135,913▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $137,837 | $140,082▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $184,958 | $187,369▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $223,638▲ | $223,080 |
| Total Employed | 10,060▲ | 2,340 |
Verdict
Los Angeles and San Diego are closely matched on overall nurse practitioner compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and San Diego is $2,472 (1.48%). San Diego's median is +23.86% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Los Angeles spans $99,550,San Diego spans $87,167. Los Angeles 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, San Diego ($151,504 effective) pays 3.00% 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 Los Angeles if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($223,638)
- ✓Larger job market (10,060 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($169,513/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $151,504)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Los Angeles grew 22.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 33.7% growth in San Diego over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$131,620 (2019) → $161,470 (2025)
San Diego, CA
$122,580 (2019) → $163,860 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
San Diego, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Los Angeles or San Diego?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and San Diego?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to San Diego as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Los Angeles 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