Podiatrist Salary in California
Based on 1K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$201,300
$96.78/hr
vs National Average
$178,284
+12.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$85K – $362K
1K employed in California
Podiatrists in California earn a median salary of $201,300 per year, positioning the state as a lucrative market for foot and ankle specialists. This figure represents approximately 13% above the national average, reflecting California's higher cost of living and robust healthcare demand. With around 1,000 podiatrists employed across the state, salaries typically range from $85,480 to $362,110 annually depending on individual circumstances.
Several factors influence podiatrist salary in California, including years of experience, practice setting, and geographic location within the state. Specialists working in private practices or established clinics often earn more than those in hospital settings, while podiatrists in major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles and San Francisco generally command higher compensation. Additionally, credentials, patient volume, and whether practitioners own their own practice significantly impact earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Podiatrist in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $85,480 |
| 25th percentile | $141,120 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $201,300 |
| 75th percentile | $277,310 |
| 90th percentile | $362,110 |
Top-Paying Industries for Podiatrist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Podiatrists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Podiatrists in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $222,980 | 920 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $197,440 | 40 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $155,580 | 9K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Podiatrist in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $174,990 |
| 2023 | $186,040 |
| 2024 | $193,510 |
| 2025 | $201,300 |
| 2026 (projected) | $209,404 |
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 | $174,990 | $147,393 |
| 2023 | $186,040 | $156,589 |
| 2024 | $193,510 | $165,838 |
| 2025 | $201,300 | $178,284 |
| 2026 (projected) | $209,404 | $185,461 |
Podiatrist Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $141,120 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $201,300 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $277,310 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $362,110 |
Podiatrist Salary in Other States
Related Podiatrist Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Podiatrist ($201,300 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Podiatrist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychiatrist in CA | $353,500 | +75.6% | $169.95/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in CA | $313,890 | +55.9% | $150.91/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in CA | $301,240 | +49.6% | $144.83/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in CA | $292,410 | +45.3% | $140.58/hr |
| Radiologist in CA | $270,560 | +34.4% | $130.08/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in CA | $252,010 | +25.2% | $121.16/hr |
| Pediatrician in CA | $214,140 | +6.4% | $102.95/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in CA | $203,840 | +1.3% | $98.00/hr |
| Cardiologist in CA | $185,610 | -7.8% | $89.24/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in CA | $168,520 | -16.3% | $81.02/hr |
| Dentist in CA | $165,950 | -17.6% | $79.78/hr |
| Physician Assistant in CA | $165,650 | -17.7% | $79.64/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do podiatrists make in California?
- The median salary for podiatrists in California is $201,300 per year, or $97 per hour. This is 12.9% higher than the national average, making California one of the more lucrative states for this profession.
What is the salary range for podiatrists in California?
- Podiatrist salaries in California range from $85,480 at the lower end to $362,110 at the higher end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and practice location within the state.
Is podiatry a well-paying career in California compared to the US average?
- Yes, podiatry is notably well-paying in California, with the median salary of $201,300 exceeding the national average by 12.9%. This makes California an attractive state for podiatrists seeking higher earning potential.
How many podiatrists are employed in California?
- There are approximately 1,000 podiatrists employed in California. This represents a significant professional workforce in the state dedicated to foot and ankle care.