3 Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in San Francisco, CA (Online & Campus) – 2025
Written By: Pattie Trumble, MPP, MPH
Why should you be thinking over the question, “What are the best NP programs in San Francisco, California?” Because San Francisco universities offer top-tier nurse practitioner programs that are among the very best in the nation and because the Bay Area is a healthcare hub where you’ll have employment options galore once you finish your NP degree. On average, SF-based nurse practitioners earn $177,160 a year (one of the highest NP salaries in the U.S.), and demand for their services is expected to increase 55 percent over the next 10 years. Want to find out more? Keep reading to discover all there is to know about the 3 best nurse practitioner programs in San Francisco.
TOP 5 REASONS WHY SAN FRANCISCO IS A GREAT PLACE TO PURSUE NP PROGRAMS
The City by the Bay is a great place to embark upon the next phase of your professional nursing journey because people have been coming to San Francisco to make a fresh start for the past 200 years. Here are five other reasons why San Francisco is the right place for you to pursue a nurse practitioner degree.
1. Booming healthcare sector:
As a San Francisco-based NP student, you’ll be doing your clinical practicums at some of the finest hospitals in the U.S. San Francisco is also ground zero for many of the newest and hottest healthcare technologies around. You’ll have the opportunity to learn it and use it before practically anyone else does. This will give you a considerable competitive advantage when you enter the job market after graduation.
2. Population diversity:
Few American cities can claim to be as racially, ethnically, and culturally diverse as San Francisco. As a nurse practitioner student here, you’ll run into a wide assortment of patients as you fulfill your practicum requirements. Your clinical competencies will get better as you encounter patients with a range of health issues, but maybe just as importantly, your cultural competencies will improve, too.
3. Health prioritized:
San Francisco is a health-conscious city. Residents stay in shape by taking advantage of the city’s many parks and open areas to walk, run, and bike. Healthy eating is celebrated at the 25 or so farmers’ markets in various parts of the city. The primary healthcare services that you, as a nurse practitioner, have been trained to provide are highly valued. That means you’ll have many employment opportunities should you decide to remain in the Bay Area after you graduate.
4. Robust economy:
It’s true, that San Francisco has a comparatively high cost of living, but to offset that, San Francisco’s average annual wage is 53 percent higher than it is in all other parts of the nation as a whole. San Francisco’s dynamic mix of healthcare, tourism, finance, and technology and its strong entrepreneurial culture signal a thriving economy that demands high-quality healthcare. If you plan to work while you’re enrolled in an NP program, you’ll probably have your choice of job offers.
5. Beautiful place:
You can’t study all the time! Even the most dedicated nurse practitioner student understands the importance of the work/life balance. Between its stunning natural environment and its rich cultural activities, San Francisco offers unparalleled opportunities to relax and unwind so you can return to your nurse practitioner studies refreshed and renewed.
HOW LONG ARE NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN SAN FRANCISCO?
Nurse practitioner programs in San Francisco range in length from one year to four years, depending on the academic pathway you choose to pursue. Nurse practitioner programs that are part of a DNP course are generally the longest:
The BSN-to-DNP/NP tracks at the University of San Francisco take four years (12 semesters) to complete, and even the
MSN-to-DNP/NP tracks take three years.
The MSN/NP programs at the
University of California-San Francisco and
San Francisco State University are both two years long. There’s more variation in the length of NP certificate programs: At
the University of California-San Francisco, post-master’s certificaters take four to eight quarters to complete (two years), but
the University of San Francisco’s post-master’s certificates only take one year.
HOW MUCH DO NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN SAN FRANCISCO COST?
You’ll spend anywhere between $23,000 and $135,000 to attend one of the NP programs in San Francisco. That’s a lot of money. But as soon as you graduate, you should begin to see a return on your investment: In San Francisco, nurse practitioners earn 17 percent more than registered nurses on average.
Most NP programs charge tuition per credit, but both the University of California-San Francisco and San Francisco State University charge a flat rate;
UCSF determines that rate per quarter, while
SFSU determines that rate by credit load. Remember that other fees apply in addition to tuition and that these fees can add up to thousands of extra dollars.
Public universities are usually more affordable than private universities (at least if you’re a resident of the state the public university is located in) because state taxpayers partly subsidize public universities. If you enroll in the private
University of San Francisco’s four-year BSN-to-DNP/NP program, you’ll end up spending as much as $135,020 on tuition ($1,570 X 86 credits.) However, the public University of California-San Francisco’s two-year MSN/NP program will only set you back approximately $22,884—far less than half the USF tuition for four years.
WHAT ARE THE BEST NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN SAN FRANCISCO, CA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025?
(Based on our
ranking methodology, the following are the 3 Best NP programs in San Francisco, California (Online & Campus) for the year 2025.)
1. University Of California-San Francisco
Programs Offered: MSN and
Post-Master’s Certificate
MSN Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner — Occupational/Environmental Health, Neonatal Nursing, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Acute Care, and Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master’s Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner — Occupational/Environmental Health, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-Acute Care, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-Primary Care, and Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
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About the School: UC San Francisco is the University of California system’s healthcare and life sciences campus. Its School of Nursing is widely considered not only to be one of the best nurse practitioner programs in San Francisco but possibly the premier nursing school in the U.S.
If you’re interested in attending UCSF to become a nurse practitioner, you have two options: You can enroll in a Master’s of Science in Nursing degree program, or you can sign up for the post-master’s NP certificate training program.
The MSN program offers eight NP tracks: an AGACNP track, an AGPCNP track, an AGPCNP track specializing in occupational/environmental health, an FNP track, an NNP track, a PACNP track, a PPCNP track, and a PMHNP track. All of those NP tracks except the FNP pathway are also available as post-master’s certificates.
MSN Program Details: UCSF’s MSN program prepares prospective APRNs for their professional careers through a curriculum that includes advanced practice RN core classes, NP specialty coursework, and clinical practicums. APRN core classes include courses such as “Foundations in Interprofessional Collaborative Practice,” “Advanced Health Assessment,” and “Racism, Health Care and Social Justice.” Count on spending two to three days a week in classes.
UC San Francisco operates on the quarter system. The AGACNP track consists of 71 to 73.5 quarter credits; the AGPCNP track, 63.5 to 76.5 quarter credits; the AGPCNP track with an occupational/environmental health specialization, 86 to 93 quarter credits; the FNP track, 72.5 to 73.5 quarter credits; the PACNP track, 65.5 quarter credits; the PPCNP track, 63.5 quarter; and the PMHNP track, 70 to 78 quarter credits. The NNP, PACNP, and PPCNP tracks require a minimum of 600 clinical hours, while the other NP tracks require a minimum of 500 clinical hours.
Depending upon the NP specialty, classes are taught in a variety of formats, including distance learning, hybrid, and face-to-face. Some NP tracks have special requirements: For example, students must pass a written comprehensive examination for graduation from the AGPCNP track with an occupational/environmental health specialization. The two pediatric specialties primarily utilize a distance learning format, but students are expected to attend three intensive learning sessions per quarter (one to two full days of lectures every four to five weeks) at UCSF’s campus in San Francisco.
You must complete three practicums throughout the course of your studies. Clinical sites include UCSF Medical Center and its affiliated clinics, Kaiser Permanente Medical Centers, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Medical Center, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital of San Francisco; UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital of Oakland, and a wide range of community agencies and organizations.
MSN Program Length: Classes begin in the fall quarter. As a full-time student, you should be able to complete the MSN/NP curriculum in eight quarters (24 months.)
MSN Admission Requirements: Admission into the University of California-San Francisco’s nurse practitioner programs is highly competitive. You must have a BSN from an accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.0. You must have an active unrestricted RN license to apply and California licensure by the time you start your clinical practicums. For admission into the AGACNP or NNP tracks, you’ll need two years of relevant professional nursing experience in a clinical practice setting. For admission into the AGPCNP or PACNP track, you’ll need one year of relevant professional nursing experience in a clinical practice setting.
Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: UCSF’s post-master’s NP certificates are designed for advanced practice RNs interested in becoming certified in an additional population specialty role. Once you’re admitted into the program, a UCSF staff member will conduct a gap analysis to create a personalized curriculum by determining how many credits you can transfer over from previous academic studies. You’ll be required to complete the same number of clinical hours you would in the MSN-NP program.
Post-Master’s Certificate Program Length: Count on taking three to eight quarters (approximately 21 months) to complete UCSF’s post-master’s NP certificate program, depending upon the specialty you choose. Accelerated programs may be available for students who completed their APRN studies at UCSF.
Post-Master’s Certificate Admission Requirements: You must have an RN license that permits you to practice in California to enroll in this nurse practitioner program in San Francisco. Successful applicants will have either an MSN, an MS, or an MN from an accredited college or university.
Scholarships & Financial Aid for University Of California NP Students: UCSF’s School of Nursing administers several scholarships specifically designated for MSN students. Depending upon the information you submit on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, you may also qualify for federal and state financial aid.
Interesting Highlights About University Of California NP School
• In 2021, UC San Francisco awarded 153 MSN and 16 DNP degrees.
•
U.S. News & World Report ranks UC San Francisco’s MSN program as the 38th best among American schools and the university’s DNP program as the 62nd best.
• The UCSF School of Nursing received more research funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 2022 than any other nursing school
• UCSF’s MSN/AGACNP program is the only one of its kind in Northern California.
• UCSF also offers a three-year accelerated MSN program for individuals without nursing experience who hold bachelor’s degrees in fields other than nursing.
• The University of California-San Francisco collaborates with UC Davis, UCLA, and UC Irvine on an online one-year MSN/PMHNP track that aims to increase the number of mental health primary care providers throughout rural California and the state’s other underserved areas.
2. San Francisco State University
Programs Offered: RN-to-MSN and Post-Master's Certificate
RN-to-MSN Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master's Certificate Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner
About the School: As a California State University school, San Francisco State University’s School of Nursing focuses primarily on undergraduate nursing education. The university does offer two graduate-level NP tracks, however, as part of its commitment to increasing access to primary care and reducing the health disparities found in medically underserved San Francisco Bay Area communities. The university’s RN-to-MSN and post-master’s certificate programs are both paired with a Family Nurse Practitioner option.
RN-to-MSN Program Details: SF State’s RN-to-MSN/FNP program requires 52 credits and 600 clinical hours. Like other nurse practitioner programs in San Francisco, its curriculum consists of core MSN classes, coursework focusing specifically on the FNP concentration, and clinical practicums. Core MSN classes include “Education, Informatics, and eTechnology in Advanced Nursing Practice,” “Health Care Policy and Nursing Leadership,” and “Ethics in Advanced Nursing Practice.”
The MSN/FNP course of study culminates with either a nursing applied research course or a master’s thesis. Practicums will be scheduled at various primary healthcare facilities throughout the Metropolitan San Francisco Area and surrounding communities.
RN-to-MSN Program Length: You should be able to attain your MSN/FNP from San Francisco State University in two years.
RN-to-MSN Admission Requirements: You must have an active, unencumbered California RN license and a BSN from an accredited institution with a GPA of 3.0 or higher to enter this master’s program. The MSN/FNP track requires at least one year of professional clinical nursing experience.
Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: The 31-credit post-master’s FNP certificate at San Francisco State University requires six didactic courses and three clinical practicums. You’ll access most of your educational materials online, but you’ll meet face-to-face in a classroom at SF State’s campus in the southwestern part of the city every other week.
Post-Master’s Certificate Program Length: This NP program in San Francisco has start dates in the summer and the fall. As a full-time student, you should be able to complete it in 12 to 14 months.
Post-Master’s Certificate Admission Requirements: This program is restricted to participants who hold current, unrestricted California RN licensure, an MSN or DNP from an accredited college or university, and at least one year of relevant professional nursing experience.
Scholarships & Financial Aid for San Francisco State University NP Students: SF State’s School of Nursing administers four nursing-specific scholarships open to graduate-level nursing students. You may qualify for additional financial aid from federal and state grants and loans if you submit a FAFSA form.
Interesting Highlights About San Francisco State University NP School
• San Francisco State University awarded MSN degrees to 49 individuals in 2021.
• SF State also offers an accelerated entry-level MSN degree for individuals who want to become licensed as RNs and who don’t have BSN degrees. These students are eligible to enroll in the post-master’s FNP certificate program.
Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP, MSN-to-DNP, and Post-Graduate Certificate
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
MSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Post-Graduate Certificate Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
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About the School: When the School of Nursing and Health Professionals at San Francisco University opened its doors in 1954, it was the first private nursing school in California. The school is known for the emphasis it places on clinical preparedness: Students have the opportunity to pursue hands-on training at a variety of highly respected medical centers, hospitals, and ambulatory care clinics throughout the City by the Bay. USF is a Catholic university, but it accepts students from all faith backgrounds, and Catholic principles do not play a significant role in its educational offerings.
While the University of San Francisco isn’t phasing out its Master’s of Science degree program entirely, it is emphasizing its Doctor of Nursing Practice degree as the terminal diploma for advanced practice nurses who want to specialize in caring for specific populations. USF offers three academic pathways for earning a nurse practitioner certification: a BSN-to-DNP program, an MSN-to-DNP program, and a post-master’s certificate program. All three programs offer an FNP track and a PMHNP track.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: The FNP track and the PMHNP track at the University of San Francisco both entail 78 credits and like DNP practicum requirements at all NP programs in San Francisco, they require a minimum of 1,000 clinical hours. USF’s PMHNP track may require up to 1,200 clinical hours.
At the University of San Francisco, you’ll complete the majority of your core DNP courses before you start your advanced practice and NP-oriented coursework. Core DNP courses include classes like “Introduction to Population Health,” “Applied Epidemiology and Data Analysis,” and “Evidence-Based Scholarship I & II.”
The program utilizes a hybrid teaching model in which most of your educational materials will be accessible online, but you’ll be required to attend face-to-face classes at USF’s Hilltop campus in San Francisco on Teaching Weekends (Fridays and Saturdays) twice a month. Expect to spend approximately two hours per credit each week on studying and assignments.
As a condition of graduation, you must complete a DNP project that demonstrates your ability to identify a nursing practice problem and implement an evidence-based solution to it. Practicum site and preceptor assignments are made by USF faculty and utilize many of the top-ranked hospitals and clinics in the San Francisco Bay Area.
BSN-to-DNP Program Length: Classes begin in the fall semester. The BSN-to-DNP/FNP curriculum is 12 semesters long (48 months), while the BSN-to-DNP/PMHNP curriculum is 11 semesters long (44 months.)
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: This program is only open to applicants with a BSN from an accredited college or university whose undergraduate GPA was 3.0 or higher. You must have an active, unencumbered RN license, and you’ll need to submit a resume, three letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose with your application.
MSN-to-DNP Program Details: The University of San Francisco’s DNP/NP program also accepts MSN-prepared students. The MSN-to-DNP/FNP and MSN-to-DNP/PMHNP concentrations both involve 72 credits; the FNP track requires a minimum of 1,000 clinical hours, while the PMHNP track requires 1,000 to 1,200 clinical hours. MSN students are eligible to transfer up to 500 of their MSN practicum hours to satisfy this requirement
The MSN-to-DNP curriculum assumes you’ve completed core APRN coursework and focuses solely on DNP core classes, NP-oriented coursework, and clinical practicums. You may be able to transfer up to 12 credits from your MSN coursework based on the results of a transcript evaluation. You must complete a DNP project in order to graduate.
MSN-to-DNP Program Length: Classes start in the fall semester. Full-time students can complete the MSN-to-DNP/PMHNP track in eight semesters (32 months) and the MSN-to-DNP/FNP track in nine semesters (36 months.)
MSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: The University of San Francisco doesn’t require you to have an MSN to be admitted into this program. You must hold an active, unrestricted RN license, and you must have a master’s degree—but the master’s degree can be in any field so long as you maintained a GPA of 3.0 or higher. You must submit three professional references, a statement of goals, and a resume with your application.
Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: Post-graduate NP certificates are designed to offer APRNs entry into additional clinical specialties. The FNP and PMHNP certificates both require 35 to 38 credits and a minimum of 500 clinical hours; the exact number of credits will depend upon a gap analysis that USF performs once a student has been accepted into the program.
Classes are taught using a hybrid delivery model. You’ll attend classes at the University of San Francisco’s Lone Mountain campus twice a month on Fridays from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm and Saturdays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The rest of the time, you’ll access your educational materials over the Internet.
Post-Graduate Certificate Program Length: Classes are offered year-round in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Full-time students can complete the NP certificate program in as little as one year.
Post-Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements: This program is only available to DNP-prepared applicants who completed their doctoral degrees with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. You must have an unrestricted RN license. Accompanying your application should be a professional reference, a resume, and a goal statement.
Scholarships & Financial Aid for University Of San Francisco NP Students: This nurse practitioner program in San Francisco administers four scholarships that graduate nursing students may qualify for. Additionally, by filling out a FAFSA form, you may be eligible for federal and state grants and loans.
Interesting Highlights About University Of San Francisco NP School
• One hundred and eighty-six MSN and 46 DNP degrees were awarded by the University of San Francisco during the 2020-2021 academic year.
• In
U.S. News & World Report’s list of the best American nursing schools, the University of San Francisco’s MSN program ranks #38, and its DNP program ranks #62.
• USF offers a Master's Entry - Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program for individuals who aren’t nurses and don’t have BSN degrees but who want to enter the nursing profession.
• The University of San Francisco offers a concurrent BSN-to-DNP/FNP/Master’s of Public Health (MPH) degree option.
• USF’s School of Nursing and Health Professions has a longstanding relationship with Kaiser Permanente’s Nurse Scholar Academy in Northern California, and many NP students pursue practicums at Kaiser facilities.
VIEW OUR RANKING METHODOLOGY
CAREER INFORMATION FOR NURSE PRACTITIONERS IN SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA
HOW MANY NURSE PRACTITIONERS ARE THERE IN SAN FRANCISCO?
The Greater San Francisco Metropolitan Area employs 2,550 nurse practitioners.
Employment |
2,550 |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
WHERE DO NURSE PRACTITIONERS WORK IN SAN FRANCISCO?
Nurse practitioners provide services in various practice settings throughout San Francisco, including private physicians’ practices, schools, community clinics, home healthcare agencies, ambulatory care centers, nursing homes, hospitals, and medical centers.
Work Setting |
Offices of Physicians |
General Medical & Surgical Hospitals |
Outpatient Care Centers |
Offices of Other Health Practitioners |
Home Health Care Services |
WHAT IS THE JOB OUTLOOK FOR NURSE PRACTITIONERS IN SAN FRANCISCO?
The employment outlook for San Francisco-based NPs is excellent. Job opportunities for nurse practitioners in San Francisco will increase by 55 percent in the next decade.
10-Year Job Outlook (2020-2030) |
+55.49% |
(Source: Careeronestop.org) |
HOW MUCH DO NURSE PRACTITIONERS MAKE IN SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF NP PROGRAMS IN SAN FRANCISCO EXPECT?
As a new graduate of one of the nurse practitioner programs in San Francisco, you can expect to make $128,050 a year. This is equivalent to $61.56 an hour, $2,463 a week, or $10,670 a month.
Hourly | $61.56 |
Weekly | $2,463 |
Monthly | $10,670 |
Annual | $128,050 |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF NP PROGRAMS IN SAN FRANCISCO EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
As nurse practitioners in San Francisco acquire more experience, they become more efficient at their jobs and command higher salaries. An SF-based NP with one to four years of professional experience can expect to earn 18 percent more than a new NP graduate; with five to nine years of experience, you’ll make 30 percent more. Accumulate more than 10 years of experience, and your annual average salary will top $200,000.
Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
Entry-Level | $61.56 | $2,463 | $10,670 | $128,050 |
1-4 Years of Experience | $72.59 | $2,904 | $12,580 | $150,990 |
5-9 Years of Experience | $80.16 | $3,206 | $13,890 | $166,730 |
10-19 Years of Experience | >$100.00 | >$4,000 | >$17,330 | >$208,000 |
20 Years or More Experience | >$100.00 | >$4,000 | >$17,330 | >$208,000 |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN SAN FRANCISCO?
On average, nurse practitioners in San Francisco make $177,160 annually. This is the same as $85.17 an hour, $3,407 a week, or $14,760 a month.
Hourly | $85.17 |
Weekly | $3,407 |
Monthly | $14,760 |
Annual | $177,160 |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN SAN FRANCISCO VS. OTHER SALARIES
NP SALARY IN SAN FRANCISCO VS. NP SALARY IN THE NATION
In San Francisco, nurse practitioners earn a salary that’s 50 percent higher than the salaries NPs earn throughout all parts of the U.S.
Average San Francisco NP Annual Salary | Average National NP Annual Salary | Difference |
Number | % |
$177,160 | $118,040 | +$59,120 | +50.08% |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
NP SALARY IN SAN FRANCISCO VS. NP SALARY IN CALIFORNIA
On average, NPs in San Francisco earn 17 percent more than NPs throughout all parts of California.
Average San Francisco NP Annual Salary | Average California NP Annual Salary | Difference |
Number | % |
$177,160 | $151,830 | +$25,330 | +16.68% |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
NP SALARY IN SAN FRANCISCO VS. NP SALARIES IN OTHER CALIFORNIA CITIES
As high as the average nurse practitioner salary is in San Francisco, it’s not the state’s highest average nurse practitioner salary. That distinction belongs to nurse practitioners who work in San Jose, Sunnyvale, and Santa Clara. These Silicon Valley-based NPs make 10 percent more than San Francisco NPs make–and 68 percent more than the average NP salary throughout the U.S.
San Francisco nurse practitioners are definitely toward the high end of the California NP salary gradient, though. They earn 16 percent more than NPs in Santa Rosa, 22 percent more than NPs in Los Angeles, and 36 percent more than NPs in San Diego.
Metro | Average Annual Salary | Difference |
Number | % |
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $197,870 | -$20,710 | -10.47% |
Napa | $184,700 | -$7,540 | -4.08% |
Vallejo-Fairfield | $180,380 | -$3,220 | -1.79% |
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward | $177,160 | $0 | 0.00% |
Yuba City | $159,260 | +$17,900 | +11.24% |
San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande | $153,300 | +$23,860 | +15.56% |
Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade | $153,050 | +$24,110 | +15.75% |
Santa Rosa | $152,150 | +$25,010 | +16.44% |
Santa Cruz-Watsonville | $150,280 | +$26,880 | +17.89% |
Fresno | $147,760 | +$29,400 | +19.90% |
Modesto | $147,190 | +$29,970 | +20.36% |
El Centro | $147,080 | +$30,080 | +20.45% |
Redding | $146,040 | +$31,120 | +21.31% |
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario | $145,250 | +$31,910 | +21.97% |
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | $144,930 | +$32,230 | +22.24% |
Bakersfield | $144,770 | +$32,390 | +22.37% |
Madera | $142,400 | +$34,760 | +24.41% |
Salinas | $142,130 | +$35,030 | +24.65% |
Visalia-Porterville | $141,650 | +$35,510 | +25.07% |
Chico | $137,760 | +$39,400 | +28.60% |
Stockton-Lodi | $135,940 | +$41,220 | +30.32% |
Merced | $133,410 | +$43,750 | +32.79% |
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | $133,060 | +$44,100 | +33.14% |
Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura | $132,180 | +$44,980 | +34.03% |
San Diego-Carlsbad | $130,240 | +$46,920 | +36.03% |
Hanford-Corcoran | $122,130 | +$55,030 | +45.06% |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
NP SALARY IN SAN FRANCISCO VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN SAN FRANCISCO
Nurse practitioners are the highest earners in San Francisco’s nursing sector. They earn 9 percent more than nurse midwives, 17 percent more than registered nurses, more than twice as much as licensed vocational nurses, and nearly three times as much as nursing assistants.
It's worth noticing, however, that the differential between APRN and RN salaries in San Francisco is smaller than it is in many other metropolitan areas.
Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference |
Number | % |
Nurse Practitioner | $177,160 | $0 | 0.00% |
Nurse Midwife | $162,800 | +$14,360 | +8.82% |
Registered Nurse | $151,640 | +$25,520 | +16.83% |
Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Postsecondary | $108,630 | +$68,530 | +63.09% |
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $75,410 | +$101,750 | +134.93% |
Nursing Assistant | $47,500 | +$129,660 | +272.97% |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
NP SALARY IN SAN FRANCISCO VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN SAN FRANCISCO
You can tell how highly valued nurse practitioners are in San Francisco by comparing their salaries with the salaries of other healthcare professionals whose primary function is to diagnose and treat: NPs make 32 percent less than physicians, but they only make 4 percent less than podiatrists and 3 percent less than dentists.
On the other hand, NPs earn significantly more than healthcare professionals charged with providing rehabilitative services. They make 50 percent more than physical therapists and 86 percent more than chiropractors.
Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference |
Number | % |
Physician | $260,010 | -$82,850 | -31.86% |
Podiatrist | $185,290 | -$8,130 | -4.39% |
Dentist | $181,700 | -$4,540 | -2.50% |
Nurse Practitioner | $177,160 | $0 | 0.00% |
Physician Assistant | $164,150 | +$13,010 | +7.93% |
Pharmacist | $163,840 | +$13,320 | +8.13% |
Veterinarian | $144,440 | +$32,720 | +22.65% |
Optometrist | $135,310 | +$41,850 | +30.93% |
Physical Therapist | $118,370 | +$58,790 | +49.67% |
Speech-Language Pathologist | $118,260 | +$58,900 | +49.81% |
Audiologist | $116,450 | +$60,710 | +52.13% |
Occupational Therapist | $113,210 | +$63,950 | +56.49% |
Chiropractor | $95,380 | +$81,780 | +85.74% |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY OUR EXPERT
1. Who Accredits Nurse Practitioner Programs In San Francisco?
The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredit nurse practitioner programs in San Francisco.
2. How Many Accredited Nurse Practitioner Schools Are There In San Francisco?
Three accredited NP programs are located in San Francisco: the University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco State University, and the University of San Francisco.
3. On Average, How Long Does It Take To Become A Nurse Practitioner In San Francisco?
Becoming a nurse practitioner in San Francisco will take one year to four years. The exact length of time will be determined by the academic degree your NP track is associated with.
4. On Average, How Much Do NP Programs Cost In San Francisco?
The cost of NP programs in San Francisco ranges from $23,000 to $135,000. The cost of your NP program is determined by the associated degree you’re pursuing.
5. How Much Does A Nurse Practitioner Make Per Hour In San Francisco?
In San Francisco, nurse practitioners earn an hourly wage of $85.17.
6. How Much Does A Nurse Practitioner Make Per Month In San Francisco?
Nurse practitioners in San Francisco make $14,760 a month.
7. How Much Does A Nurse Practitioner Make Per Year In San Francisco?
As a nurse practitioner in San Francisco, your annual salary will be $177,160.
8. Are Nurse Practitioners In Demand In San Francisco?
Graduates of NP programs in San Francisco are in high demand throughout the Greater San Francisco Metropolitan Area. Employment opportunities for NPs throughout the Bay Area are projected to increase by 55 percent within the next decade.
9. Can Nurse Practitioners Practice Independently In San Francisco?
San Francisco is in California. As of 2023, under California state law, nurse practitioners with three or more years of full-time clinical experience are permitted to practice without a supervisory physician so long as there is a physician onsite where they work who can provide consultation as needed. These NPs will be able to transition to full practice authority at a future date under a recently passed California law.
10. Can Nurse Practitioners Prescribe Medications In San Francisco?
Yes, nurse practitioners in San Francisco have prescriptive authority. If they have not yet received full practice authority from the California Board of Nursing, they can prescribe medications under the terms of the collaborative agreement they’ve negotiated with their supervising physician.
Pattie Trumble, MPP, MPH
Pattie Trumble is a nurse who worked in both California and New York for many years as an emergency room nurse. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from the University of California, Berkeley, and an Associate Degree in Nursing from the Samuel Merritt Hospital School of Nursing. After 10 years of providing direct care, she went back to school and earned concurrent Master’s degrees in both public policy and public health from the University of California, Berkeley. Thereafter, she worked for various public health agencies in California at both the community and state levels providing economic and legislative analysis.
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