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Nurse Practitioners Salary in California

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Nurse Practitioners make in California?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$168,520
Median Annual Salary
▲ +1.1% vs 2024
$176,760
Mean Salary
$168,520
Median Salary
$81.02
Hourly Rate
25,120 people work as Nurse Practitioners in California

Nurse Practitioners salary by percentile in California

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Nurse Practitioners salary in California — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Nurse Practitioners in California.10thBottom 10% earn less than $120,340$120,34025th25% earn less than $145,980$145,980MedianHalf earn more than $168,520$168,52075th75% earn less than $209,350$209,35090thTop 10% earn more than $240,830$240,830

Nurse Practitioners in California earn a median salary of $168,520 per year ($14,043/month). This is 26.0% above the national average of $133,771. California ranks #1 out of 51 states for Nurse Practitioners pay. Approximately 25,120 people work in this occupation across California. Salaries increased by 1.1% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Nurse Practitioners

Diagnose and treat acute, episodic, or chronic illness, independently or as part of a healthcare team. May focus on health promotion and disease prevention. May order, perform, or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x rays. May prescribe medication. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.

Top Skills

Reading Comprehension
4.12
Active Listening
4.12
Critical Thinking
4.12
Complex Problem Solving
4.12
Writing
4.0

Key Knowledge Areas

Medicine and Dentistry
4.83
English Language
4.26
Biology
4.22
Psychology
4.17
Customer and Personal Service
4.13
Typical Education: Master's Degree (65.2% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Nurse Practitioners in California

Salaries for Nurse Practitioners in California range from $120,340 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $240,830 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $145,980 and $209,350.

Median $168,520
P10: $120,340 P25: $145,980 P75: $209,350 P90: $240,830
10th
$120,340
25th
$145,980
Median
$168,520
75th
$209,350
90th
$240,830
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $120,340 $57.86 $10,028
25th Percentile $145,980 $70.18 $12,165
Median (50th) $168,520 $81.02 $14,043
75th Percentile $209,350 $100.65 $17,445
90th Percentile (Experienced) $240,830 $115.78 $20,069

Note: The mean (average) salary of $176,760 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#1
California ranks #1 of 51 states
$133,771
National avg. for Nurse Practitioners
+26.0%
vs. national average
Above Average

What does this salary really buy? See Nurse Practitioners salary in California adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Nurse Practitioners take-home pay in California after taxes →

Explore Nurse Practitioners Data in California

Nurse Practitioners Salary by State

Compare Nurse Practitioners pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Nurse Practitioners make in California?
The median annual salary for Nurse Practitioners in California is $168,520 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $176,760.
What is the salary range for a Nurse Practitioners in California?
Salaries for Nurse Practitioners in California range from $120,340 at the 10th percentile to $240,830 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $145,980 and $209,350.
What is the starting salary for a Nurse Practitioners in California?
Entry-level Nurse Practitioners positions in California typically start around $120,340 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $145,980 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Nurse Practitioners in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 25,120 people are employed as Nurse Practitioners in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Nurse Practitioners in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Nurse Practitioners in California is approximately $81.02 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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