May 2025 BLS data
Nurse Practitioner salary in California
The median nurse practitioner in California earns $168,520/year ($81.02/hr) — 27% above the national median.
Median pay
$168,520/yr
Hourly median
$81.02/hr
State rank
#1 of 51
Employed
25,120
Nurse Practitioner pay percentiles in California
| Percentile | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $57.86 | $120,340 |
| 25th percentile | $70.18 | $145,980 |
| Median (50th) | $81.02 | $168,520 |
| 75th percentile | $100.65 | $209,350 |
| 90th percentile | $115.78 | $240,830 |
The spread is large: top-decile nurse practitioners in California out-earn the bottom decile by $57.92/hour — experience, certifications, and setting drive most of that gap.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
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What do people in your role actually earn?
Nurse Practitioners in California earn
$57.86–$115.78 /hour
Median $168,520/year · 25,120 employed
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025
Nearby states compared
Top-paying states for nurse practitioners
- 1. California$168,520/yr
- 2. New Jersey$159,310/yr
- 3. Washington$156,100/yr
- 4. Oregon$155,680/yr
- 5. Alaska$155,170/yr
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Nurse Practitioner salaries in every stateFrequently asked questions
How much does a nurse practitioner make in California?
The median nurse practitioner in California earns $168,520 per year, or $81.02 per hour, according to May 2025 BLS data. Most earn between $120,340 (10th percentile) and $240,830 (90th percentile).
What is a good nurse practitioner salary in California?
Top-quartile nurse practitioners in California earn $209,350 or more per year ($100.65/hr). Reaching that range typically comes from experience, certifications, and higher-paying settings.
How does California compare to other states for nurse practitioners?
California ranks #1 of 51 states, with a median 27% above the national median of $132,300.
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in California?
Entry-level pay typically falls near the 10th–25th percentile: $120,340–$145,980 per year ($57.86–$70.18/hr) in California.