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Nurse Midwife Licensing in California

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for nurse midwife in California, including See board website and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

See board website

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Nurse Midwife in California

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Register with licensing agency
  • Education: Varies by state board
  • Examination: State-approved exam
  • Application Fee: See board website

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Consumer Affairs • Board of Registered Nursing

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See board website

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $196,700 median (53% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #1 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet California eligibility requirements for Nurse Midwife licensure.
  2. 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required state examinations.
  4. 4. Submit your application to the Department of Consumer Affairs~Board of Registered Nursing.

Salary Insights in California

With a median salary of 196,700, Nurse Midwifes in California earn 53% above the national median of 128790. California ranks #1 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,758

Median annual salary

$196,700

Hourly estimate

$94.57
53% above national median

Difference: +$67,910

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$111,800
  • P2525th percentile$152,470
  • P50Median$196,700
  • P7575th percentile$207,780
  • P9090th percentile$226,840

State vs National Median

State: $196,700
National: $128,790

Total employment: 880 | Annual openings: null

Nurse Midwife Salary Ranking

#1 of 50 statesfor Nurse Midwife median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California196,700
#2Massachusetts155,710
#3Washington145,000
#4Vermont140,240
#5Virginia139,770

Nearby States Comparison

Nurse Midwife licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
California$196,700Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Oregon$123,080Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Nevada$128,790Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Arizona$135,590Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months

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.
Nevada60MediumState-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.

Official Licensing Agency

Department of Consumer Affairs • Board of Registered Nursing

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

Phone: 9163223350

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Related Careers in California

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Audiologist$123,600Varies by state board6-24 months
Chiropractor$85,080Varies by state board6-24 months
Clinical Lab Technologist$71,920Varies by state board6-24 months
Dental Assistant$48,910Varies by state board6-24 months

FAQ

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

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What is the typical Nurse Midwife salary in California?

The median annual salary for Nurse Midwifes in California is 196,700. Salaries range from 111800 (10th percentile) to 226840 (90th percentile).

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

Nurse Midwifes in California earn 53% above the national median of 128790, with a state median of 196,700.

How many Nurse Midwifes work in California?

California employs approximately 880 Nurse Midwifes according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Nurse Midwife license to California from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board.

Who is the licensing agency for Nurse Midwifes in California?

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