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Verified by CA Board of Healthcare

Physician Licensing in California

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

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Physician in California

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

  2. 2

    Application Processing Fee: $25.

  3. 3

    Initial Licensing Fee: $200.

  4. 4

    Renewal Fee: $318.00

    • biennial.
  5. 5

    Examination: See Comments.

  6. 6

    Examination Frequency: Ongoing.

  7. 7

    Exam Locations: See Comments.

Exam and processing details

  • See Comments. Frequency: Ongoing. Locations: See Comments. Experience

Continuing education and program notes

  • Certifying Examination (PANCE) is administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Consumer Affairs • Physician Assistant Board

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $201,510 median salary

  5. State Salary Rank

    #45 of 48 states

Step-by-Step Process (5)

  1. 1. Meet California eligibility requirements for Physician licensure.
  2. 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: See Comments. Frequency: Ongoing. Locations: See Comments. Experience.
  4. 4. Prepare supporting documentation (Application Processing Fee: $25.).
  5. 5. Submit the application to Department of Consumer Affairs~Physician Assistant Board and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in California

The median salary for Physicians in California is $201,510. California ranks #45 among 48 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,758

Median annual salary

$201,510

Hourly estimate

$96.88
National comparison unavailable

National benchmark data is missing for this profile.

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$49,770
  • P2525th percentile$77,840
  • P50Median$201,510
  • P7575th percentileN/A
  • P9090th percentileN/A

State vs National Median

State: $201,510
National: N/A

Total employment: 20,750 | Annual openings: N/A

Physician Salary Ranking

#45 of 48 statesfor Physician median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Wyoming$373,100
#2North Dakota$347,240
#3Maine$344,170
#4Minnesota$323,830
#5South Carolina$320,620

Nearby States Comparison

Physician licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
California$201,510Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Oregon$301,990Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Nevada$233,400Degree requiredBoth state and third-party exams required2 years
Arizona$223,680Varies 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 • Physician Assistant Board

2005 Evergreen Street, Suite 2250, Sacramento, CA, 95815

Phone: 9165618780

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

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ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
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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 Physician in California?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What is the typical Physician salary in California?

The median annual salary for Physicians in California is $201,510.

How many Physicians work in California?

California employs approximately 20,750 Physicians according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my 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 Physicians in California?

The licensing agency is Department of Consumer Affairs / Physician Assistant Board. Review agency details at https://pab.ca.gov/.

How often do you renew a Physician license in California?

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