Source: SalaryDr salary data for Cardiology in California (N=18 verified submissions, updated February 3, 2026, data as of 2026-02-03). URL: https://www.salarydr.com
As of February 3, 2026, a Cardiologist in California earns approximately $630,000 per year ($52,500 monthly). Based on an average 54-hour work week, this translates to about $242 per hour. Looking for a broader view? See the Cardiologist salary overview or compare nearby states below.
From 18 verified physician salary submissions in California, SalaryDr is seeing total compensation ranging from $500,000 to $740,000, with top performers (90th percentile) earning up to $1,400,000 annually. Compared to the national median of $630,000, Cardiologist salaries in California are in line with the national median.
In California, the salary progression for cardiologist physicians shows significant growth potential. Entry-level positions start at $647,500, while those with more than 10 years of experience earn a typical salary of $695,500 - a 7% increase.
In California, the most common work environment is Private Practice (44% of physicians). On average, base salary accounts for 81% of total compensation—about $547,500—with the remaining amount coming from bonuses, profit sharing, and incentives.
California offers unique advantages for cardiologist physicians, including high demand in major metropolitan areas and competitive compensation packages. The cost of living in California is higher than the national average but offset by higher salaries.
Local cardiologist physicians report 4.3/5 career satisfaction, with 94% of those surveyed saying they would choose this specialty again.
Go beyond salary data. Discover real physician experiences, work-life balance insights, and what Cardiology doctors love (and would change) about their specialty.
Browse more Cardiologist-adjacent fields to compare compensation and career paths.
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Our salary data is based on anonymous submissions from practicing physicians across the United States. We verify and clean the data to ensure accuracy and remove outliers.
Last updated: February 3, 2026
Distribution based on 18 verified physician salary submissions.
Median Salary: $630,000
Average satisfaction rating reported by Cardiology physicians (1-5 scale).
Percentage of Cardiology physicians who would choose this specialty again.
Physicians cite the variety of cases and patient relationships as most rewarding aspects of this specialty.
On-call demands, administrative burden, and work-life balance are cited as the top challenges.
Average Salary
$674,167
Median Salary
$630,000
Salary Range
$500,000 - $740,000
National Average
$674,167
Difference
+0% vs National Average
Sample Size
18 local / 18 national reports
| Practice Type | Average Salary | Sample Size |
|---|---|---|
| Private Practice | $795,625 | 8 submissions |
| Hospital-employed | $624,167 | 6 submissions |
| Academic | $506,250 | 4 submissions |
* Practice types with fewer than 3 submissions may be omitted for privacy.
Compare salary data across different practice settings for Cardiology physicians in California:
| Years of Experience | Average Salary | Sample Size |
|---|---|---|
| 0-2 years | $400,000 | 1 submissions |
| 3-5 years | $250,000 | 1 submissions |
| 6-10 years | $871,667 | 3 submissions |
| 11-15 years | $759,375 | 8 submissions |
| 16+ years | $559,000 | 5 submissions |
* Experience levels with fewer than 3 submissions may be omitted for privacy.
Browse city-level salary data for cardiologist physicians in California. Click any city to see detailed compensation information for that location.
See how Cardiology salaries in California compare to neighboring states.
| Subspecialty | Average Salary | Sample Size | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interventional | $729,152 | 23 submissions | Performs catheter-based treatments for heart disease, including stenting, angioplasty, and structural heart procedures. |
| EP | $720,200 | 10 submissions | Focuses on specialized ep procedures and treatments within cardiology, providing expert care in this specific area. |
| Electrophysiology | $693,636 | 11 submissions | Manages complex heart rhythm disorders through ablation procedures and device therapy. |
| Structural | $673,333 | 12 submissions | Focuses on specialized structural procedures and treatments within cardiology, providing expert care in this specific area. |
| Non-invasive | $556,250 | 8 submissions | Focuses on specialized non-invasive procedures and treatments within cardiology, providing expert care in this specific area. |
| Imaging | $551,000 | 3 submissions | Focuses on specialized imaging procedures and treatments within cardiology, providing expert care in this specific area. |
| Heart Failure | $524,600 | 5 submissions | Provides advanced therapy for severe heart failure, including mechanical support and transplant management. |
| Research | $483,333 | 3 submissions | Focuses on specialized research procedures and treatments within cardiology, providing expert care in this specific area. |
* Subspecialties with fewer than 3 submissions may be omitted for privacy.
* Data is aggregated from verified physician submissions.
Average Salary: $400,000
Based on 150 reports
Average Salary: $380,000
Based on 120 reports
Average Salary: $350,000
Based on 100 reports
Average Salary: $340,000
Based on 90 reports
Average Salary: $360,000
Based on 80 reports
Average Salary: $370,000
Based on 70 reports
* Showing locations with the most reported salaries.
* Some locations may be omitted if they have fewer than 3 reports.
Local market conditions, cost of living, and opportunities for Cardiology physicians in California.
Teaching hospitals and medical schools offer Cardiology positions with research opportunities.
Established and startup practices seeking Cardiology physicians with partnership potential.
High-demand temporary positions offering flexibility and competitive hourly rates.
Compare Cardiology salaries across different locations and practice settings.
Get answers to the most common questions about physician salaries in Cardiology in California.
Data Source: All salary information is based on verified submissions from practicing physicians and is updated regularly to reflect current market conditions.
Complete guide for physicians looking to transition careers or relocate to Cardiology in California.
Evaluate your current specialty, compensation, job satisfaction, and career goals. Identify specific reasons for wanting to transition and what you hope to achieve.
Investigate Cardiology opportunities in California, including salary ranges, practice settings, required qualifications, and market demand.
Learn more →Compare your current qualifications with requirements for your target role. Identify any additional training, certifications, or experience needed for a successful transition.
Connect with Cardiology physicians in California through medical associations, conferences, and professional networks. Conduct informational interviews to gain insights.
Create a timeline for your transition including any required training, licensing requirements, financial planning for potential income changes, and family considerations.
Begin applying for positions, complete any required training, and manage the logistics of your career change including contract negotiations and relocation if necessary.
Professional Tip: This guide provides general recommendations. Always consult with career advisors, mentors, and legal professionals for personalized advice specific to your situation.