Los Angeles vs San Francisco: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Los Angeles, CA and San Francisco, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $167,041 | $226,638▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $80.31 | $108.96▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $124,088 | $158,568▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $137,837 | $182,579▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $184,958 | $250,256▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $223,638 | $283,412▲ |
| Total Employed | 10,060▲ | 3,110 |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and San Francisco is $59,597 (35.68%). San Francisco's median is +65.59% 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 Francisco spans $124,844. San Francisco has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse practitioners.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, San Francisco ($196,032 effective) pays 33.28% 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…
- ✓Larger job market (10,060 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($226,638/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($283,412)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $196,032)
- ✓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 58.6% growth in San Francisco over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$131,620 (2019) → $161,470 (2025)
San Francisco, CA
$138,100 (2019) → $219,080 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
San Francisco, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Los Angeles or San Francisco?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and San Francisco?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to San Francisco as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Los Angeles vs San Francisco?
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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