San Diego vs San Mateo: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between San Diego, CA and San Mateo, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | San Mateo, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $169,513 | $173,643▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $81.50 | $83.48▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $135,913▲ | $124,201 |
| 25th Percentile | $140,082 | $157,801▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $187,369 | $204,878▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $223,080 | $237,995▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,340▲ | 21 |
Verdict
San Mateo, CA offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Diego.
The salary gap between San Diego and San Mateo is $4,130 (2.44%). San Mateo's median is +26.87% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Diego spans $87,167,San Mateo spans $113,794. San Mateo 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 Mateo ($153,531 effective) pays 1.34% 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 San Diego if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,340 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Mateo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($173,643/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($237,995)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $153,531)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in San Diego grew 33.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -10.5% growth in San Mateo over the same period.
San Diego, CA
$122,580 (2019) → $163,860 (2025)
San Mateo, CA
$187,451 (2024) → $167,852 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Diego, CA
San Mateo, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: San Diego or San Mateo?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Diego and San Mateo?
Should I relocate from San Diego to San Mateo as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in San Diego vs San Mateo?
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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