Application Fee
$500Verified by CA Board of Healthcare
Nurse Midwife Licensing in California
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for nurse midwife in California, including $500 and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Nurse Midwife in California
Estimated timeline: 1-2 monthsCore Requirements
- 1
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
- 2
Fees: Application: $500
- Timely Renewal: $150
- Delinquent Renewal: $225.
- 3
Examination: none.
- 4
Certificate: Included in application fee.
- 5
Examination Frequency: N/A.
- 6
Exam Locations: N/A.
- 7
Experience Requirement: Active California RN license, graduate of Board-approved program for nurse midwifery or equivalent.
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 Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $500 |
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Consumer Affairs • Board of Registered Nursing
- Current Filing Fee
$500
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$196,700 median (53% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#1 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet California eligibility requirements for Nurse Midwife licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training (Experience Requirement: Active California RN license, graduate of Board-approved program for nurse midwifery or equivalent.).
- 3. Document required supervised experience (Experience Requirement: Active California RN license, graduate of Board-approved program for nurse midwifery or equivalent.).
- 4. Pass required examination steps: none Certificate: Included in application fee. Frequency: N/A Locations: N/A Experience.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (Fees: Application: $500; Timely Renewal: $150; Delinquent Renewal: $225.; Certificate: Included in application fee.).
- 6. Budget filing costs (Application: $500).
- 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 $196,700, Nurse Midwifes in California earn 53% above the national median of $128,790. California ranks #1 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1-2 months.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,758Median annual salary
$196,700Hourly estimate
$94.5753% above national median
Difference: +$67,910
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationNurse Midwife Salary Ranking
#1 of 50 statesfor Nurse Midwife median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $196,700 |
| #2 | Massachusetts | $155,710 |
| #3 | Washington | $145,000 |
| #4 | Vermont | $140,240 |
| #5 | Virginia | $139,770 |
Nearby States Comparison
Nurse Midwife licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $196,700 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 1-2 months |
| Oregon | $123,080 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Nevada | $128,790 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Arizona | $135,590 | 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 | 60 | Medium | 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 Consumer Affairs • Board of Registered Nursing
P.O. Box 944210, Sacramento, CA, 94244-2100
Phone: 9163223350
Related Careers in California
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|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Nurse Midwife 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 Midwife salary in California?
The median annual salary for Nurse Midwifes in California is $196,700. Salaries range from $111,800 (10th percentile) to $226,840 (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 $128,790, 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. Verify directly with the agency.
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/.
How often do you renew a Nurse Midwife license in California?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.