Nurse Practitioner Salary in California
Based on 25K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$168,520
$81.02/hr
vs National Average
$133,771
+26.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$120K – $241K
25K employed in California
Nurse Practitioner salary in California reflects strong compensation in the healthcare sector. With a median annual salary of $168,520, nurse practitioners in the state earn 26% above the national average. California's robust healthcare market and cost of living contribute to these competitive wages, supporting approximately 25,120 employed nurse practitioners across diverse clinical settings.
Several factors influence Nurse Practitioner salary in California, including years of experience, specialized certifications, and practice setting. Geographic location within the state matters significantly, as urban areas and regions with healthcare shortages often offer premium pay. Additionally, employment type—whether in hospitals, private practices, or urgent care facilities—affects compensation levels, along with individual credentials and patient population served.
Salary Distribution — Nurse Practitioner in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $120,340 |
| 25th percentile | $145,980 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $168,520 |
| 75th percentile | $209,350 |
| 90th percentile | $240,830 |
Top-Paying Industries for Nurse Practitioner (U.S.)
Which industries pay Nurse Practitioners the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Nurse Practitioners in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $138,910 | 2K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $134,880 | 2K |
| Administrative and Support Services | $133,550 | 6K |
| Finance and Insurance | $133,340 | 2K |
| Educational Services | $132,800 | 8K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Nurse Practitioner in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $157,160 |
| 2023 | $164,050 |
| 2024 | $166,610 |
| 2025 | $168,520 |
| 2026 (projected) | $170,452 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $157,160 | $118,452 |
| 2023 | $164,050 | $125,602 |
| 2024 | $166,610 | $129,125 |
| 2025 | $168,520 | $133,771 |
| 2026 (projected) | $170,452 | $135,305 |
Nurse Practitioner Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $145,980 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $168,520 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $209,350 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $240,830 |
Nurse Practitioner Salary in Other States
Related Nurse Practitioner Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Nurse Practitioner ($168,520 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Nurse Practitioner | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychiatrist in CA | $353,500 | +109.8% | $169.95/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in CA | $313,890 | +86.3% | $150.91/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in CA | $301,240 | +78.8% | $144.83/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in CA | $292,410 | +73.5% | $140.58/hr |
| Radiologist in CA | $270,560 | +60.6% | $130.08/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in CA | $252,010 | +49.5% | $121.16/hr |
| Pediatrician in CA | $214,140 | +27.1% | $102.95/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in CA | $203,840 | +21.0% | $98.00/hr |
| Podiatrist in CA | $201,300 | +19.5% | $96.78/hr |
| Cardiologist in CA | $185,610 | +10.1% | $89.24/hr |
| Dentist in CA | $165,950 | -1.5% | $79.78/hr |
| Physician Assistant in CA | $165,650 | -1.7% | $79.64/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do nurse practitioners make in California?
- Nurse practitioners in California earn a median salary of $168,520 per year, or approximately $81 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 26.0% premium for working in California.
What is the salary range for nurse practitioners in California?
- The salary range for nurse practitioners in California spans from $120,340 on the lower end to $240,830 on the higher end, reflecting differences in experience, specialization, and employer type.
How many nurse practitioners are employed in California?
- There are approximately 25,120 nurse practitioners currently employed in California, indicating a substantial and established workforce in the state.
Is the nurse practitioner salary in California higher than the national average?
- Yes, California nurse practitioners earn 26.0% more than the national average, with a median of $168,520 compared to the national median, making it one of the most lucrative states for this profession.