Application Fee
See agencyVerified by CA Board of Healthcare
Family Medicine Physician Licensing in California
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for family medicine physician in California, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Family Medicine Physician in California
Estimated timeline: 1-2 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
- 2
All physicians are required to pay a non-refundable/non-rollover $125.00 fee to sit for any upcoming QME examination (Title 8, California Code of Regulations §
- 11(f)(2)).
- 3
Before appointment as a QME, the physician shall complete a 12 hour course in disability evaluation report writing approved by the Administrative Director (Labor Code §
- 139.2).
- 4
A QME must pay an annual fee in order to maintain his/her status and show proof of having attended 12 hours of combined education in 24 months.
- 5
The annual fee is $250 if you performed 25 or more comprehensive medical-legal evaluations in the year prior to assessment of the fee.
- 6
If you performed 11-24 examinations, the annual fee is $125.
- 7
If you performed 0-10, the fee is $110.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| The annual fee | $250 |
| If you performed 11-24 examinations, the annual fee | $125 |
| If you performed 0-10, the fee | $110 |
| If you wish to have additional locations, the fee | $100 |
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Industrial Relations • Division of Workers Compensation Medical Unit
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$257,060 median (8% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#20 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Meet California eligibility requirements for Family Medicine Physician licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training (Before appointment as a QME, the physician shall complete a 12 hour course in disability evaluation report writing approved by the Admini...).
- 3. Document required supervised experience (Before appointment as a QME, the physician shall complete a 12 hour course in disability evaluation report writing approved by the Admini...).
- 4. Pass required state examinations.
- 5. Budget filing costs (The annual fee: $250; If you performed 11-24 examinations, the annual fee: $125).
- 6. Submit the application to Department of Industrial Relations~Division of Workers Compensation Medical Unit and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in California
With a median salary of $257,060, Family Medicine Physicians in California earn 8% above the national median of $238,380. California ranks #20 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1-2 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,758Median annual salary
$257,060Hourly estimate
$123.598% above national median
Difference: +$18,680
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationFamily Medicine Physician Salary Ranking
#20 of 50 statesfor Family Medicine Physician median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Idaho | $322,630 |
| #2 | Nebraska | $313,750 |
| #3 | Arizona | $306,890 |
| #4 | Massachusetts | $301,270 |
| #5 | Indiana | $295,310 |
Nearby States Comparison
Family Medicine Physician licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $257,060 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 1-2 years |
| Oregon | $254,080 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Nevada | $238,380 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 2-3 years |
| Arizona | $306,890 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Oregon | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Nevada | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Arizona | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Department of Industrial Relations • Division of Workers Compensation Medical Unit
1515 Clay Street, #1800, Oakland, CA, 94612-1489
Phone: 5102863700
Related Careers in California
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $77,640 | Varies by state board | 1-2 years |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Varies by state board | 1-12 months |
| Athletic Trainer | $74,150 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $123,600 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Family Medicine Physician in California?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1-2 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What is the typical Family Medicine Physician salary in California?
The median annual salary for Family Medicine Physicians in California is $257,060.
How does the Family Medicine Physician salary in California compare to the national average?
Family Medicine Physicians in California earn 8% above the national median of $238,380, with a state median of $257,060.
How many Family Medicine Physicians work in California?
California employs approximately 18,640 Family Medicine Physicians according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Family Medicine Physician license to California from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Family Medicine Physicians in California?
The licensing agency is Department of Industrial Relations / Division of Workers Compensation Medical Unit. Review agency details at https://www.dir.ca.gov/dwc/.
How often do you renew a Family Medicine Physician license in California?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.