Fremont vs Sacramento: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Fremont, CA and Sacramento, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fremont, CA | Sacramento, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $196,558▲ | $180,565 |
| Hourly Rate | $94.49▲ | $86.81 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $125,551▲ | $105,973 |
| 25th Percentile | $162,849▲ | $138,830 |
| 75th Percentile | $228,461▲ | $209,125 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $296,441▲ | $230,397 |
| Total Employed | 43 | 23,590▲ |
Verdict
Fremont, CA offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Sacramento.
The salary gap between Fremont and Sacramento is $15,993 (8.86%). Fremont's median is +91.33% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fremont spans $170,890,Sacramento spans $124,424. Fremont 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, Fremont ($173,791 effective) pays 2.67% more than Sacramento ($169,274 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fremont if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($196,558/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($296,441)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $173,791)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Larger job market (23,590 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Fremont grew 16.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.3% growth in Sacramento over the same period.
Fremont, CA
$159,627 (2024) → $186,647 (2025)
Sacramento, CA
$130,580 (2019) → $171,460 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fremont, CA
Sacramento, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% 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 Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov