Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in California
Licensed Practical Nurses in California earn an average of $70,621 per year across 6 metro areas. This is +18.2% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$70,621
per year
Hourly Rate
$33.95
per hour
vs National
+18.2%
$59,730 national
Salary Range
$46,211
to $103,871
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$70,621
Cost of Living Index
142
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$49,733
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for California's cost of living (above average), a Licensed Practical Nurse's salary of $70,621 has the purchasing power of $49,733 in an average-cost area.
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary by City in California
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $82,159 | $39.50/hr | $52,748 | $116,211 | 798 |
| San Francisco, CA | $81,740 | $39.30/hr | $55,065 | $121,806 | 813 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $68,399 | $32.88/hr | $43,615 | $100,503 | 955 |
| San Diego, CA | $65,708 | $31.59/hr | $44,088 | $98,334 | 545 |
| Sacramento, CA | $63,712 | $30.63/hr | $40,732 | $93,963 | 538 |
| Riverside, CA | $62,010 | $29.81/hr | $41,019 | $92,407 | 515 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
California vs National Average
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary Comparison
Employment in California
There are approximately 4,164 Licensed Practical Nurses employed across 6 metro areas in California.
Key Industries: Technology, Entertainment & Media, Agriculture
State Income Tax: 1% - 13.3%
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary Range in California
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$46,211
Starting salary for new Licensed Practical Nurses
Median (50th Percentile)
$70,621
Mid-career Licensed Practical Nurse salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$103,871
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in California
Pharmacist
$158,458
avg in CA
+$87,837 vs Licensed Practical Nurse
Nurse Practitioner
$147,716
avg in CA
+$77,095 vs Licensed Practical Nurse
Registered Nurse
$109,589
avg in CA
+$38,968 vs Licensed Practical Nurse
Dental Hygienist
$105,568
avg in CA
+$34,947 vs Licensed Practical Nurse
Nursing Assistant
$44,150
avg in CA
-$26,471 vs Licensed Practical Nurse
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Licensed Practical Nurse salaries in California with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Licensed Practical Nurse Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Licensed Practical Nurse salary in California?
The average Licensed Practical Nurse salary in California is $70,621 per year ($33.95/hour) based on 2026 data across 6 metro areas. This is 18.2% above the national average of $59,730.
What is the highest paying city for Licensed Practical Nurses in California?
San Jose, CA is the highest paying city for Licensed Practical Nurses in California, with a median salary of $82,159 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Riverside, CA at $62,010.
What is the salary range for Licensed Practical Nurses in California?
Licensed Practical Nurse salaries in California range from $46,211 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $103,871 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $70,621 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within California. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.