PMHNP Salary in So Cal

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Specializes in ER psych.

Been an ER RN for 5 years, thinking of going back and getting my PMHNP. Live in So Cal. Pretty much have admittance to a program because they are telling me it's often hard to fill their cohort because not many people want to go that NP route. I've seen the payscale data etc that shows how much NPs make. I've also heard anecdotes on how much PMHNPs can earn. I don't really trust the salary numbers that are reported in the media, because as an RN in So Cal, I make way more than what is commonly reported.

I'm curious if anyone has information on what realistic expected wages are in the So Cal area for this specialty?

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Hello, I’m relocating to So. Cal this summer. Which program are you applying to? I’m interested in the PMHNP program and debating if I should complete via online. Thanks in advance for your response.

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I live in San Diego, currently working as an RN. I make more $$ here than my PA friends. I would NOT become an NP if I were to stay in California. PA on my unit, salary at $115,000 a year, 5 days a week with call weekends every 3 weeks. She moonlights in an ER and makes $75/hr. She said if she could do it all over again she would have become a nurse. Meanwhile I work hourly with plenty of opportunity for overtime. I work 4 days a week and my 5th day is OT, at the end of the day my paycheck is more than hers.. I have 6 years of critical care exp.

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I live on the Central Coast and was offered ~$115,000, but was only offered 10 PTO days, yuck. I am not sure if this is a good offer considering I haven't lived in CA long.

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2 hours ago, OncRN2015 said:

I live on the Central Coast and was offered ~$115,000, but was only offered 10 PTO days, yuck. I am not sure if this is a good offer considering I haven't lived in CA long.

Very poor for California, especially a known metropolitan area like San Diego. The avg I've seen in areas like the bay area and the capital (the capital having a lower COL than San Diego) is $168K. Although I know many who make near the $200K. I now work in outpatient psych as an FNP (working towards getting my post masters in psych) and make $140K starting, with the possibility to make productivity bonuses in the near future.

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I realized you said central coast and not San Diego, but you get the gist. It's still a poor offer. Especially since employers will try to lure you with a higher paying position in areas in desperate need of a psych provider, such as areas in the central valley.

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