Cardiologist Salary in California
Based on 630+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$185,610
$89.24/hr
vs National Average
$489,121
-62.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$109K – $532K
630 employed in California
Cardiologist salary in California averages $185,610 per year, based on data from 630 workers in the state. However, this figure falls approximately 62% below the national average for cardiologists, reflecting California's unique cost-of-living adjustments and regional compensation structures. Individual salaries range significantly, from $109,310 to $532,070 annually.
Several factors influence cardiologist salary in California, including years of experience, subspecialty focus, and practice setting. Cardiologists working in rural areas or underserved communities may earn differently than those in major metropolitan centers. Additionally, whether a cardiologist works in private practice, hospital systems, or academic institutions substantially affects compensation levels and benefits packages available to them.
Salary Distribution — Cardiologist in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $109,310 |
| 25th percentile | $112,020 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $185,610 |
| 75th percentile | $493,670 |
| 90th percentile | $532,070 |
Top-Paying Industries for Cardiologist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Cardiologists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Cardiologists in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $506,320 | 16K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Cardiologist in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $185,610 |
| 2026 (projected) | $191,178 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $185,610 | $489,121 |
| 2026 (projected) | $191,178 | $503,795 |
Cardiologist Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $112,020 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $185,610 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $493,670 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $532,070 |
Cardiologist Salary in Other States
Related Cardiologist Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Cardiologist ($185,610 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Cardiologist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychiatrist in CA | $353,500 | +90.5% | $169.95/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in CA | $313,890 | +69.1% | $150.91/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in CA | $301,240 | +62.3% | $144.83/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in CA | $292,410 | +57.5% | $140.58/hr |
| Radiologist in CA | $270,560 | +45.8% | $130.08/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in CA | $252,010 | +35.8% | $121.16/hr |
| Pediatrician in CA | $214,140 | +15.4% | $102.95/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in CA | $203,840 | +9.8% | $98.00/hr |
| Podiatrist in CA | $201,300 | +8.5% | $96.78/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in CA | $168,520 | -9.2% | $81.02/hr |
| Dentist in CA | $165,950 | -10.6% | $79.78/hr |
| Physician Assistant in CA | $165,650 | -10.8% | $79.64/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do cardiologists make in California?
- The median salary for cardiologists in California is $185,610 per year, or approximately $89 per hour. However, salaries in this field vary significantly, ranging from $109,310 to $532,070 depending on experience, specialization, and employer.
Is the cardiologist salary in California higher than the national average?
- No, cardiologist salaries in California are actually 62.1% lower than the national average. The state's median of $185,610 per year reflects regional cost-of-living factors and market conditions compared to national benchmarks.
What is the salary range for cardiologists working in California?
- Cardiologists in California earn between $109,310 at the lower end and $532,070 at the upper end of the salary range. This wide variation reflects differences in experience level, practice setting, and individual career progression.
How many cardiologists are currently employed in California?
- There are approximately 630 cardiologists currently employed in California. This represents the total workforce in the state for this medical specialty.