Ontario vs San Diego: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Ontario, CA and San Diego, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ontario, CA | San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $178,152▲ | $169,513 |
| Hourly Rate | $85.65▲ | $81.50 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $131,205 | $135,913▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $154,040▲ | $140,082 |
| 75th Percentile | $212,841▲ | $187,369 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $237,780▲ | $223,080 |
| Total Employed | 42 | 2,340▲ |
Verdict
Ontario, CA offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Diego.
The salary gap between Ontario and San Diego is $8,639 (5.10%). Ontario's median is +30.17% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ontario spans $106,575,San Diego spans $87,167. Ontario 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, Ontario ($157,517 effective) pays 3.97% 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 Ontario if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($178,152/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($237,780)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $157,517)
- ✓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 Ontario grew -9.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 33.7% growth in San Diego over the same period.
Ontario, CA
$189,864 (2024) → $172,211 (2025)
San Diego, CA
$122,580 (2019) → $163,860 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ontario, CA
San Diego, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Ontario or San Diego?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ontario and San Diego?
Should I relocate from Ontario to San Diego as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Ontario vs San Diego?
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