Neurologist salary in California
Neurologists in California earn a median of $357,080 a year ($171.68 an hour), based on BLS data for 1,090 workers.
Pay ranges from $104,320 for the lowest-paid 10% to $357,080 for the top 10%. That is 44% higher than the national median of $248,560. California ranks 5th of 29 states for neurologists pay, one of the best-paying states for this job. There are 0.06 neurologists per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $306,860, close to the median.
Pay range for neurologists in California
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $104,320 | $50.16 |
| 25th percentile | $302,620 | $145.49 |
| Median | $357,080 | $171.68 |
| 75th percentile | $357,080 | $171.68 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $357,080 | $171.68 |
| Average (mean) | $306,860 | $147.53 |
Half of neurologists earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $29,756.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $14,878.33 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $13,733.85 |
| Weekly | $6,866.92 |
| Hourly | $171.68 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Neurologist salary in cities in California
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $239,200+ | n/a |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $104,320 | n/a |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $79,410 | 40 |
Highest-paying states for neurologists
Related jobs in California
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $140,270 | $67.44 |
| Pharmacist | $164,610 | $79.14 |
| Physical Therapist | $124,190 | $59.71 |
| Physicians, All Other | $281,590 | $135.38 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $168,520 | $81.02 |
| Dental Hygienist | $124,930 | $60.06 |
| Respiratory Therapist | $104,820 | $50.40 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $118,970 | $57.20 |
| Dentists, General | $165,950 | $79.79 |
| Occupational Therapist | $124,510 | $59.86 |
| Physician Assistant | $165,650 | $79.64 |
| Veterinarian | $163,920 | $78.81 |
| Dietitians and Nutritionists | $98,850 | $47.52 |
| Optometrist | $136,300 | $65.53 |
More: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations · all salaries in California
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 29-1217. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a neurologist make in California?
The median salary for neurologists in California is $357,080 a year, or $171.68 an hour. Pay ranges from $104,320 for the lowest-paid 10% to $357,080 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid neurologists make in California?
The top 10% of neurologists in California earn at least $357,080 a year. The top 25% earn $357,080 or more.
What is the starting pay for neurologists in California?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $104,320 a year, and a quarter of neurologists earn $302,620 or less.
How many neurologists work in California?
About 1,090 neurologists are employed in California, not counting the self-employed.