Intro
Discover the top 5 nurse practitioner jobs in San Diego, offering competitive salaries and growth opportunities. Explore high-demand roles in primary care, specialty clinics, and hospitals, with expert insights on job requirements, salary ranges, and industry trends. Boost your NP career in Americas Finest City with these in-demand positions.
As the healthcare industry continues to grow and evolve, nurse practitioners are in high demand across the United States. San Diego, with its large population and high standard of living, offers a wide range of job opportunities for nurse practitioners. Here are the top 5 nurse practitioner jobs in San Diego, along with their average salaries, job descriptions, and required qualifications.

1. Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Family nurse practitioners work with patients of all ages, from children to adults, providing primary and specialty care. They diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, and educate patients on healthy habits and disease prevention.
Average salary in San Diego: $115,000 - $130,000 per year
Job description:
- Provide primary and specialty care to patients of all ages
- Conduct physical exams, diagnose illnesses, and develop treatment plans
- Prescribe medications and order diagnostic tests
- Educate patients on healthy habits and disease prevention
- Collaborate with physicians and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care
Required qualifications:
- Master's or doctoral degree in nursing
- Current California RN license
- Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (CFNP) or Certified Nurse Practitioner (CNP) certification
- 1-2 years of experience in primary care or a related field
2. Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)
Pediatric nurse practitioners specialize in the care of infants, children, and adolescents. They provide well-child visits, diagnose and treat illnesses, and educate parents on child development and health.
Average salary in San Diego: $110,000 - $125,000 per year
Job description:
- Provide primary and specialty care to infants, children, and adolescents
- Conduct well-child visits, diagnose illnesses, and develop treatment plans
- Prescribe medications and order diagnostic tests
- Educate parents on child development and health
- Collaborate with pediatricians and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care
Required qualifications:
- Master's or doctoral degree in nursing
- Current California RN license
- Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP) or Certified Nurse Practitioner (CNP) certification
- 1-2 years of experience in pediatrics or a related field

3. Gerontological Nurse Practitioner (GNP)
Gerontological nurse practitioners specialize in the care of older adults. They provide primary and specialty care, diagnose and treat illnesses, and educate patients on healthy aging and disease prevention.
Average salary in San Diego: $105,000 - $120,000 per year
Job description:
- Provide primary and specialty care to older adults
- Conduct physical exams, diagnose illnesses, and develop treatment plans
- Prescribe medications and order diagnostic tests
- Educate patients on healthy aging and disease prevention
- Collaborate with geriatricians and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care
Required qualifications:
- Master's or doctoral degree in nursing
- Current California RN license
- Certified Gerontological Nurse Practitioner (CGNP) or Certified Nurse Practitioner (CNP) certification
- 1-2 years of experience in gerontology or a related field
4. Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP)
Neonatal nurse practitioners specialize in the care of newborns and premature infants. They provide primary and specialty care, diagnose and treat illnesses, and educate parents on infant development and health.
Average salary in San Diego: $120,000 - $135,000 per year
Job description:
- Provide primary and specialty care to newborns and premature infants
- Conduct physical exams, diagnose illnesses, and develop treatment plans
- Prescribe medications and order diagnostic tests
- Educate parents on infant development and health
- Collaborate with neonatologists and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care
Required qualifications:
- Master's or doctoral degree in nursing
- Current California RN license
- Certified Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (CNNP) or Certified Nurse Practitioner (CNP) certification
- 1-2 years of experience in neonatology or a related field

5. Nurse Practitioner - Occupational Health
Nurse practitioners in occupational health specialize in the care of workers and employees. They provide primary and specialty care, diagnose and treat work-related illnesses, and educate employees on workplace safety and health.
Average salary in San Diego: $100,000 - $115,000 per year
Job description:
- Provide primary and specialty care to workers and employees
- Conduct physical exams, diagnose work-related illnesses, and develop treatment plans
- Prescribe medications and order diagnostic tests
- Educate employees on workplace safety and health
- Collaborate with occupational health physicians and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care
Required qualifications:
- Master's or doctoral degree in nursing
- Current California RN license
- Certified Occupational Health Nurse Practitioner (COHN) or Certified Nurse Practitioner (CNP) certification
- 1-2 years of experience in occupational health or a related field
In conclusion, nurse practitioners play a vital role in the healthcare industry, and San Diego offers a wide range of job opportunities for NPs. Whether you're interested in working with patients of all ages or specializing in a particular population, there's a nurse practitioner job in San Diego that's right for you.
We encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences as a nurse practitioner in San Diego. What do you think are the most rewarding aspects of being an NP? What challenges do you face in your daily practice? Share your comments below!
What is the average salary for a nurse practitioner in San Diego?
+The average salary for a nurse practitioner in San Diego ranges from $100,000 to $135,000 per year, depending on the specialty and experience.
What are the most in-demand nurse practitioner specialties in San Diego?
+The most in-demand nurse practitioner specialties in San Diego include family nurse practitioner, pediatric nurse practitioner, gerontological nurse practitioner, neonatal nurse practitioner, and nurse practitioner - occupational health.
What are the required qualifications for a nurse practitioner job in San Diego?
+The required qualifications for a nurse practitioner job in San Diego include a master's or doctoral degree in nursing, a current California RN license, and certification in a specific specialty (e.g. FNP, PNP, GNP, etc.).