Nurse Practitioner Hourly Pay in Chico, CA: $83.10 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nurse practitioner working in Chico, CA runs $83.10 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $172,844 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1171). Weighted against Chico's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.2, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $82.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $103,711 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Nurse practitioners in Chico, California earn a median hourly pay of $83.10, significantly higher than the national median of $65.80. This competitive hourly rate reflects the strong demand for healthcare services in the area and allows flexibility for part-time and per-diem workers who typically operate in primary care settings, outpatient clinics, urgent care, and even telehealth environments. Entry-level nurse practitioners can expect to earn around $65.51 per hour, while those at the top of the pay scale can achieve hourly rates of up to $101.42. The data originates from projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS information, illustrating the evolving landscape for nurse practitioners in Chico as they navigate various specialties within their profession.
Nurse Practitioner Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $65.51 | $524.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $77.80 | $622.44 |
| Median (P50) | $83.10 | $664.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89.23 | $713.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101.42 | $811.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chico
Based on $83.10/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $83.10/hr, a nurse practitioner working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chico, CA can expect to earn approximately $172,851 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $99,722. With a cost-of-living index of 101.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chico.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chico
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,324.06 | $14,404 | $172,851 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,994.43 | $8,643 | $103,711 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,329.62 | $5,762 | $69,140 |
Compare NP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioner (Chico) | $83.10 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Physician Assistant (National Avg) | $63.20 |
| Nurse Anesthetist (National Avg) | $103.40 |
| Nurse Midwife (National Avg) | $63.85 |
Nurse Practitioners in Chico, CA earn a median of $172,844 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.29% higher than the national median of $136,864 and 0.60% above the California state average of $171,813.
Nurse Practitioner Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $83.10/hr = $103,711/year (purchasing power: $102,484).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $172,851/year (purchasing power: $170,806).
CoL index: 101.197 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$62.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$80.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$83.10/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nurse Practitioners in Chico (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.45% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $61.06/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $62.80/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $74.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $74.80/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $76.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $80.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83.10/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nurse practitioners in Chico grew 29.0% from $62.26/hr (2019) to $80.33/hr (2025). At a 3.45% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $85.97/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem nurse practitioners can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chico metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.45% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Nurse Practitioner in Chico
For a part-time nurse practitioner working three days a week, or approximately 24 hours, the annual income may considerably differ from that of full-time colleagues. Per diem opportunities allow nurse practitioners to command higher hourly rates, as many locum practitioners earn between $80 and $140 per hour, with psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners frequently achieving rates of $150 to $200 per hour in telehealth roles. Different employer types influence compensation, with hospitals, primary care practices, and urgent care facilities offering varied rates and benefits. Some nurse practitioners may opt for lower hourly rates that come with health insurance and other perks, whereas others prioritize higher hourly wages without benefits. Effective negotiation strategies, focusing on the specific demands of Chico's healthcare market and the value of full-practice authority, can further enhance compensation outcomes for those entering the field.
More salary data for Chico, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nurse practitioners in Chico in 2026?
How much do part-time nurse practitioners make in Chico?
Are nurse practitioners in Chico paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time nurse practitioner make per year in Chico?
Do nurse practitioners earn more per hour working part-time in Chico?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.45% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for nurse practitioners in Chico. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.45%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for nurse practitioners (SOC 29-1171).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov