California pays nurse practitioners more than any other state — its $166,610 median leads all 50 states and D.C. reporting wage data.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $124,330 to $234,800 — a $110,470 spread, 53% wider than the national $71,990 range.
Nurse Practitioners are less concentrated in California than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.58 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.72× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $124,330 | $59.77 |
| 25th percentile | $140,260 | $67.44 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $166,610 | $80.10 |
| 75th percentile | $205,400 | $98.75 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $234,800 | $112.89 |
| Mean (average) | $173,190 | $83.26 |
How California Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. California |
|---|---|---|
| California (current) | $166,610 | n/a |
| New Jersey | $149,620 | -10% |
| Alaska | $145,450 | -13% |
| New York | $145,390 | -13% |
| Oregon | $144,600 | -13% |
| Washington | $140,220 | -16% |
| Connecticut | $138,960 | -17% |
| Massachusetts | $138,890 | -17% |
| New Mexico | $138,440 | -17% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in California
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacists | $165,150 | 34,490 |
| Human Resources Managers | $169,140 | 27,680 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | $162,740 | 12,980 |
| Managers, All Other | $170,740 | 103,510 |
| Software Developers | $170,910 | 292,630 |
| Physician Assistants | $161,080 | 13,570 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Nurse Practitioners salary in California?
The mean nurse practitioners salary in California is $173,190 per year. The median (middle) salary is $166,610 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Nurse Practitioners in California?
Entry-level nurse practitionerss (10th percentile) in California typically earn around $124,330 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $140,260 per year.
What is the highest Nurse Practitioners salary in California?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in California make approximately $234,800 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $205,400 per year.
How does the California Nurse Practitioners salary compare to the national average?
The median nurse practitioners salary in California is $166,610, which is +29% above national average of $129,210.