California is an attractive place to become a Nurse Practitioner. The state has it all; beaches, mountains, vibrant cities, and the right population. California is one of the top-paying states for nursing and offers a promising career outlook with high employment demand and salary potential.
In this article, you will learn what California Nurse Practitioners do, their salaries, job outlook, and how to become an NP in California.
Table of contents
What do California Nurse Practitioners do?
A Nurse Practitioner(NP) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who has completed either a master’s or doctoral degree. NPs may be prepared in a variety of specialties:
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Adult NP
- Acute Care NP
- Outpatient NP
- Geriatric NP
- Women’s Healthcare NP
- Academic NP
The responsibilities of a Nurse Practitioner include:
- Diagnose, treat, evaluate, and manage acute and chronic illness and disease (e.g., diabetes, high blood pressure)
- Obtain medical histories and conduct physical examinations
- Order, perform, and interpret diagnostic studies (e.g., routine lab tests, x-rays, EKGs)
- Prescribe physical therapy and other rehabilitation treatments
- Prescribe and furnish medications for acute and chronic illness
- Provide prenatal care and family plan services
- Provide child wellness care, including screening and immunizations
- Provide primary, specialty, and health maintenance care for adults, including annual physicals and certifying disability
- Provide care for patients in acute and critical care settings
- Perform or assist in minor surgeries and procedures (e.g., dermatological biopsies, suturing, casting)
- Counsel and educate patients on health behaviors, self-care skills, and treatment options
How much does a California nurse practitioner make?
The average Nurse Practitioner salary in California is $129,123 as of May 27, 2023, but the range typically falls between $119,815 and $140,271.
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Salaries by years of experience in California
| Years of Experience | Hourly | Monthly | Annual |
| Starting (Entry-Level) | $51.59 | $8,940 | $107,310 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $56.84 | $9,850 | $118,220 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $65.13 | $11,290 | $135,480 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $79.39 | $13,760 | $165,140 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | >$100 | >$17,330 | >$208,000 |
California Nurse Practitioner salaries vary widely depending on the region of the state and many other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession.
The table below shows the highest paying cities in California for nurse practitioners
| City | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Mateo | $133,522 | $11,127 | $2,568 | $64.19 |
| Stanford | $133,175 | $11,098 | $2,561 | $64.03 |
| Daly City | $131,275 | $10,940 | $2,525 | $63.11 |
| Berkeley | $131,202 | $10,934 | $2,523 | $63.08 |
| Irvine | $127,414 | $10,618 | $2,450 | $61.26 |
| Richmond | $125,001 | $10,417 | $2,404 | $60.10 |
| Orange | $123,851 | $10,321 | $2,382 | $59.54 |
| Oxnard | $123,813 | $10,318 | $2,381 | $59.53 |
| Merced | $123,550 | $10,296 | $2,376 | $59.40 |
| Monterey | $123,411 | $10,284 | $2,373 | $59.33 |
Check out how much Nurse Practitioner in texas makes
California Nurse Practitioner Job Outlook
In California, the number of Nurse Practitioners is expected to grow much faster than the average growth rate for all occupations according to labormarketinfo. Jobs for Nurse Practitioners are expected to increase by 30.5 percent or 4,600 jobs between 2018 and 2028.
How to Become a Nurse Practitioner in California
Now that you understand the Nurse Practitioner role, salary, and career outlook, let’s review how to become a Nurse Practitioner in California.
- Earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing
- Obtain RN licensure
- Complete an accredited NP education program
- Obtain FNP national certification through examination
- Get licensed as a California Nurse Practitioner
- Find employment
This process is rigorous but will lead to a satisfying career treating patients across the lifespan as a nurse practitioner in California.
References
- https://www.salary.com
- https://www.ziprecruiter.com
- https://www.nursingprocess.org
- https://canpweb.org
- https://academicpartnerships.uta.edu
- https://theplanetd.com
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