Napa vs Sacramento: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Napa, CA and Sacramento, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Napa, CA | Sacramento, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $139,891 | $180,565▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $67.25 | $86.81▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $104,028 | $105,973▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $118,023 | $138,830▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $163,269 | $209,125▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $199,700 | $230,397▲ |
| Total Employed | 17 | 23,590▲ |
Verdict
Sacramento, CA offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Napa.
The salary gap between Napa and Sacramento is $40,674 (29.08%). Sacramento's median is +75.77% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Napa spans $95,672,Sacramento spans $124,424. Sacramento has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced registered nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Sacramento ($169,274 effective) pays 36.86% more than Napa ($123,688 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Napa if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($180,565/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($230,397)
- ✓Larger job market (23,590 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $169,274)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Napa grew 19.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 31.3% growth in Sacramento over the same period.
Napa, CA
$111,510 (2019) → $132,837 (2025)
Sacramento, CA
$130,580 (2019) → $171,460 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sacramento, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Napa or Sacramento?
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Should I relocate from Napa to Sacramento as a registered nurse?
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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