San Diego vs Union City: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between San Diego, CA and Union City, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | Union City, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $169,513 | $172,204▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $81.50 | $82.79▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $135,913▲ | $129,052 |
| 25th Percentile | $140,082 | $156,710▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $187,369 | $199,706▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $223,080▲ | $218,665 |
| Total Employed | 2,340▲ | 11 |
Verdict
San Diego and Union City are closely matched on overall nurse practitioner compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between San Diego and Union City is $2,691 (1.59%). Union City's median is +25.82% 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,Union City spans $89,613. Union City 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, Union City ($152,258 effective) pays 0.50% 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…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($223,080)
- ✓Larger job market (2,340 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Union City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($172,204/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $152,258)
- ✓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 Union City over the same period.
San Diego, CA
$122,580 (2019) → $163,860 (2025)
Union City, CA
$185,899 (2024) → $166,461 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Diego, CA
Union City, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: San Diego or Union City?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Diego and Union City?
Should I relocate from San Diego to Union City as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in San Diego vs Union City?
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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