Nurse Practitioner (NP) salary in California
A strong career option in California — with programs that take 2 to 4 years to complete.
Median pay · May 2025
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
$168,520/ yr
$14,043 / mo · $81.02 / hr
Pay by experience
Entry
$120,349
Median
$168,520
Experienced
$240,822
Demand
Moderate
Program length
2 to 4 years
Job demand & outlook
Steady demand across the United States
Source: BLS Employment Projections
Where this career can take you
A clear progression path, with real salary growth at each step
- State Certificate$50,559
- Professional Certification / Diploma$53,771
- Professional Certification / Bootcamp$88,192
- Associate Degree$80,408
Is this career change worth it?
A simple look at what it costs vs what you gain
What it typically costs
- Average training cost—
- Time to complete2 to 4 years
- Credential earned—
What you get back
- Starting salary$120,349
- Median salary$168,520
- Experienced salary$240,822
Many career changers recoup their certification cost within the first few months of working in their new role.
How to become a Nurse Practitioner in California
A clear path from where you are to where you want to be
Find a Nurse Practitioner (NP) program in California
Browse certified training programs. Most Nurse Practitioner (NP) tracks complete in 2 to 4 years.
Earn your certification
Complete coursework, finish required clinical or lab hours, and pass the exam required for a certification in California.
Get hired in California
With roughly thousands of Nurse Practitioner (NP) openings each year nationwide, graduates often find employment within 30–90 days in California.
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Frequently asked questions
The median salary for a Nurse Practitioner in California is $168,520 per year, which is $81.02 per hour. Entry level positions typically start around $120,349 while experienced Nurse Practitioners can earn up to $240,822 annually.
Next step
Find Nurse Practitioner (NP) Classes Near You
Enter your ZIP code to see accredited Nurse Practitioner (NP) classes in your area.