Nurse Practitioner Salary in California
Nurse Practitioners in California earn an average of $147,716 per year across 6 metro areas. This is +17.0% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$147,716
per year
Hourly Rate
$71.02
per hour
vs National
+17.0%
$126,260 national
Salary Range
$96,117
to $213,211
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$147,716
Cost of Living Index
142
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$104,025
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for California's cost of living (above average), a Nurse Practitioner's salary of $147,716 has the purchasing power of $104,025 in an average-cost area.
Nurse Practitioner Salary by City in California
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $172,989 | $83.17/hr | $111,753 | $241,541 | 278 |
| San Francisco, CA | $172,194 | $82.79/hr | $110,348 | $247,160 | 346 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $143,149 | $68.82/hr | $92,900 | $201,906 | 331 |
| San Diego, CA | $142,468 | $68.49/hr | $89,565 | $210,699 | 241 |
| Sacramento, CA | $128,776 | $61.91/hr | $86,521 | $193,310 | 254 |
| Riverside, CA | $126,718 | $60.92/hr | $85,616 | $184,652 | 230 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
California vs National Average
Nurse Practitioner Salary Comparison
Employment in California
There are approximately 1,680 Nurse Practitioners employed across 6 metro areas in California.
Key Industries: Technology, Entertainment & Media, Agriculture
State Income Tax: 1% - 13.3%
Nurse Practitioner Salary Range in California
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$96,117
Starting salary for new Nurse Practitioners
Median (50th Percentile)
$147,716
Mid-career Nurse Practitioner salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$213,211
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in California
Pharmacist
$158,458
avg in CA
+$10,742 vs Nurse Practitioner
Registered Nurse
$109,589
avg in CA
-$38,127 vs Nurse Practitioner
Dental Hygienist
$105,568
avg in CA
-$42,148 vs Nurse Practitioner
Licensed Practical Nurse
$70,621
avg in CA
-$77,095 vs Nurse Practitioner
Nursing Assistant
$44,150
avg in CA
-$103,566 vs Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Practitioner Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Nurse Practitioner salaries in California with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Nurse Practitioner Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Nurse Practitioner salary in California?
The average Nurse Practitioner salary in California is $147,716 per year ($71.02/hour) based on 2026 data across 6 metro areas. This is 17.0% above the national average of $126,260.
What is the highest paying city for Nurse Practitioners in California?
San Jose, CA is the highest paying city for Nurse Practitioners in California, with a median salary of $172,989 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Riverside, CA at $126,718.
What is the salary range for Nurse Practitioners in California?
Nurse Practitioner salaries in California range from $96,117 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $213,211 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $147,716 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within California. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.