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Verified by CA Board of Healthcare

Nurse Anesthetist Licensing in California

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for nurse anesthetist in California, including $500 and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

$500

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Nurse Anesthetist in California

Estimated timeline: 1-2 months

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

  2. 2

    Fees: Application: $500

    • Timely Renewal: $150
    • Delinquent Renewal: $225.
  3. 3

    Examination: None.

  4. 4

    Certificate: Included in application fee.

  5. 5

    Examination Frequency: N/A.

  6. 6

    Exam Locations: N/A.

  7. 7

    Experience Requirement: Applicant must hold a certificate from the Council on Certification or the Council on Re-certification of Nurse Anesthetists, and an active California RN license.

Exam and processing details

None Certificate
Included in application fee. Frequency: N/A Locations: N/A Experience

Continuing education and program notes

Certificate
Included in application fee
Fee TypeAmount
Application$500

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Consumer Affairs • Board of Registered Nursing

  2. Current Filing Fee

    $500

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $220,000 median (1% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #33 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet California eligibility requirements for Nurse Anesthetist licensure.
  2. 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience (Experience Requirement: Applicant must hold a certificate from the Council on Certification or the Council on Re-certification of Nurse A...).
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: None Certificate: Included in application fee. Frequency: N/A Locations: N/A Experience.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (Fees: Application: $500; Timely Renewal: $150; Delinquent Renewal: $225.; Certificate: Included in application fee.).
  6. 6. Budget filing costs (Application: $500).
  7. 7. Submit the application to Department of Consumer Affairs~Board of Registered Nursing and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in California

With a median salary of $220,000, Nurse Anesthetists in California earn 1% below the national median of $223,210. California ranks #33 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1-2 months.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,758

Median annual salary

$220,000

Hourly estimate

$105.77
1% below national median

Difference: -$3,210

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$59,990
  • P2525th percentile$101,110
  • P50Median$220,000
  • P7575th percentileN/A
  • P9090th percentileN/A

State vs National Median

State: $220,000
National: $223,210

Total employment: 2,270 | Annual openings: N/A

Nurse Anesthetist Salary Ranking

#33 of 50 statesfor Nurse Anesthetist median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Massachusetts$292,390
#2Washington$276,110
#3Vermont$272,180
#4Alaska$268,970
#5New Jersey$268,310

Nearby States Comparison

Nurse Anesthetist licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
California$220,000Varies by state boardState-approved exam1-2 months
Oregon$253,220Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Nevada$223,210Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Arizona$228,690Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries 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.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
California78HighBoard-specific review required.
Oregon78HighBoard-specific review required.
Nevada50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Arizona78HighBoard-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 Consumer Affairs • Board of Registered Nursing

P.O. Box 944210, Sacramento, CA, 94244-2100

Phone: 9163223350

Related Careers in California

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Acupuncturist$77,640Varies by state board1-2 years
AnesthesiologistN/AVaries by state board1-12 months
Athletic Trainer$74,150Varies by state boardVaries by board
Audiologist$123,600Varies by state boardVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Nurse Anesthetist in California?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1-2 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What is the typical Nurse Anesthetist salary in California?

The median annual salary for Nurse Anesthetists in California is $220,000.

How does the Nurse Anesthetist salary in California compare to the national average?

Nurse Anesthetists in California earn 1% below the national median of $223,210, with a state median of $220,000.

How many Nurse Anesthetists work in California?

California employs approximately 2,270 Nurse Anesthetists according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Nurse Anesthetist 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 Nurse Anesthetists in California?

The licensing agency is Department of Consumer Affairs / Board of Registered Nursing. Review agency details at https://www.rn.ca.gov/.

How often do you renew a Nurse Anesthetist license in California?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.