NP Jobs in California — Hiring Now in CA

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Search nurse practitioner jobs in California with Opportunity Healthcare and find high-paying NP jobs in hospitals, medical groups, and community clinics. NPs in California are advancing under AB 890, which created 103/104 license pathways for expanded independent practice — more clinical autonomy and statewide access to care. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean NP salary is $161,540 (May 2023), ranking among the highest in the... US. Whether you’re focused on Northern California, the Bay Area, Los Angeles, or San Diego, our recruiters help you compare scope, schedule, and total compensation so you can find the right long-term fit. Our service is free to NPs, and we keep NP job listings in California current so you can act fast on opportunities that match your preferences.

Top Nurse Practitioner Jobs California

Find nurse practitioner jobs California with verified pay, AB 890 pathways, and filters for radius, specialty, and new grad jobs.

12 Open NP California Jobs – Updated September 4th

  • Highest Pay
  • Newest

Salary for NP Jobs California

$135,934/yr
NP Avg. Salary

Top States for Highest-Paying Jobs

Based on our current jobs, the top 5 states with the highest paying jobs are:
Advanced practice provider speaking with a patient and referencing a tablet during a clinical visit

Nurse Practitioner Jobs in California Are in High Demand

California has one of the biggest provider shortages in the country, so NP jobs across CA are in record demand. The California Healthcare Foundation reports that many areas in the state face substantial shortages of primary care and specialist physicians. The HRSA Health Workforce Dashboard also projects shortages through 2035, so NP jobs in California are key to closing care gaps. This need is across family practice, behavioral health, urgent care, and women’s health specialties. With AB 890 implementation evolving, experienced NPs have more independent practice options, and new grads in California have mentorship-focused clinics. Opportunity Healthcare connects providers with NP jobs California that combine clinical autonomy, balanced schedules, and advancement opportunities — so you can find NP jobs in California that fit your career and lifestyle.

NP Jobs California & Independent Practice

NPs in California are licensed and regulated by the California Board of Registered Nursing. To get an NP job, you must have an active RN license, complete an accredited NP program, get national certification, and BRN NP certification. Prescriptive authority is through a separate Furnishing Number and federal DEA registration.

California’s pathway for advanced practice is defined by Assembly Bill 890 (AB 890). This law created two new categories of Nurse Practitioners:

  • Category 103 NP: An NP who has completed the required 4,600 hours of supervised clinical practice (Transition-to-Practice) and can then practice autonomously in approved primary care or community settings.
  • Category 104 NP: An NP who has practiced as a 103 NP for at least three full-time equivalent years and can then practice independently in any setting.

Knowing if a position supports your 4,600 TTP is key to long-term career planning. Opportunity Healthcare can guide you on licensure, credentialing, and navigating the 103/104 NP pathways.

Smiling female nurse practitioner or PA in blue scrubs holding a chart and consulting with a patient

NP Jobs in California — FAQs

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What is the average salary for NP jobs in California?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2023), nurse practitioner jobs in California pay around $161,540 per year, making California one of the highest-paying NP markets in the country. Salaries are often higher in certain regions and specialties, especially in the Bay Area, Silicon Valley, and coastal metros where demand and cost of living are high.
Which metropolitan areas pay the most for NP jobs in California?
The San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara metro area pays the highest mean NP salaries in California at $197,870 (BLS May 2023). This is due to the high cost of living and intense competition for specialized clinicians in the tech and academic hubs of Northern California.
What’s the difference between a 103 NP and a 104 NP?
A 103 NP is an nurse practitioner who has completed the minimum 4,600-hour transition-to-practice (TTP) requirement and can practice without standardized procedures in specific group settings. A 104 NP is an NP who has practiced as a 103 NP for at least three full-time equivalent years and can then practice fully independently in any setting.
Can California NPs prescribe controlled substances?
Yes. Nurse Practitioners in California can prescribe and furnish controlled substances (including Schedule II) once credentialed and registered with the DEA and the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). Requirements vary by practice category and whether the NP has a Furnishing Number and has completed specific pharmacology education.
What nurse practitioner specialties are in demand?
Demand is highest for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) and Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs). This is due to primary care and behavioral health shortages across the state, especially in rural areas, according to HCAI workforce data.
Are there new grad NP jobs in California?
Yes. Many employers offer structured new grad NP jobs in California, especially in primary care and community-health settings. These new grad NP jobs in CA often include mentorship, onboarding programs, or fellowship-style training to help new grads meet supervision requirements and progress towards their AB 890 transition-to-practice milestones.
Are there any fees to use Opportunity Healthcare to find nurse practitioner jobs in California?
No. Our services are completely free for Nurse Practitioners. Opportunity Healthcare is compensated directly by hiring facilities, allowing you to explore NP jobs California with full transparency around salary, benefits, and contract terms without any cost to you.

Nurse Practitioner Jobs California - Articles