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Nurse Practitioner Licensing in California

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

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Nurse Practitioner 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 agency

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Consumer Affairs • Board of Registered Nursing

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $166,610 median (29% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #1 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
  2. 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
  4. 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.

Salary Insights in California

With a median salary of 166,610, Nurse Practitioners in California earn 29% above the national median of $129,210. 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

$166,610

Hourly estimate

$80.10
29% above national median

Difference: +$37,400

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$124,330
  • P2525th percentile$140,260
  • P50Median$166,610
  • P7575th percentile$205,400
  • P9090th percentile$234,800

State vs National Median

State: $166,610
National: $129,210

Total employment: 20,980 | Annual openings: N/A

Nurse Practitioner Salary Ranking

#1 of 50 statesfor Nurse Practitioner median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California166,610
#2New Jersey149,620
#3Alaska145,450
#4New York145,390
#5Oregon144,600

Nearby States Comparison

Nurse Practitioner licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
California$166,610Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Oregon$144,600Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Nevada$129,210Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Arizona$133,790Varies 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.
Nevada56MediumState-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

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 Practitioner 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 Practitioner salary in California?

The median annual salary for Nurse Practitioners in California is 166,610. Salaries range from $124,330 (10th percentile) to $234,800 (90th percentile).

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

Nurse Practitioners in California earn 29% above the national median of $129,210, with a state median of 166,610.

How many Nurse Practitioners work in California?

California employs approximately 20,980 Nurse Practitioners according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Nurse Practitioner 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 Practitioners in California?

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