Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in California
Based on 83K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$79,750
$38.34/hr
vs National Average
$66,740
+19.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$64K – $100K
83K employed in California
Licensed Practical Nurse salary in California averages $79,750 annually, placing the state significantly above the national benchmark. With approximately 82,850 LPNs currently employed throughout California, this figure reflects strong demand for nursing professionals. The salary range spans from $64,390 to $100,450, indicating substantial variation based on individual circumstances and career progression.
Several factors influence Licensed Practical Nurse salary in California, including geographic location within the state, employer type, and years of experience. Urban areas and specialized healthcare settings typically offer higher compensation. Additional certifications, shift differentials, and facility demand also play important roles. The state's higher cost of living and competitive healthcare market contribute to wages running 19 percent above the national average, making California an attractive destination for nursing professionals.
Salary Distribution — Licensed Practical Nurse in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $64,390 |
| 25th percentile | $74,840 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $79,750 |
| 75th percentile | $93,720 |
| 90th percentile | $100,450 |
Top-Paying Industries for Licensed Practical Nurse (U.S.)
Which industries pay Licensed Practical Nurses the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Licensed Practical Nurses in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative and Support Services | $77,310 | 30K |
| Finance and Insurance | $72,720 | 1K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $68,970 | 37K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $67,980 | 1K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $64,860 | 2K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Licensed Practical Nurse in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $66,090 |
| 2023 | $75,610 |
| 2024 | $77,170 |
| 2025 | $79,750 |
| 2026 (projected) | $82,416 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $66,090 | $54,982 |
| 2023 | $75,610 | $60,153 |
| 2024 | $77,170 | $63,623 |
| 2025 | $79,750 | $66,740 |
| 2026 (projected) | $82,416 | $68,971 |
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $74,840 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $79,750 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $93,720 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $100,450 |
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Other States
Related Licensed Practical Nurse Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Licensed Practical Nurse ($79,750 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Licensed Practical Nurse | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychiatrist in CA | $353,500 | +343.3% | $169.95/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in CA | $313,890 | +293.6% | $150.91/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in CA | $301,240 | +277.7% | $144.83/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in CA | $292,410 | +266.7% | $140.58/hr |
| Radiologist in CA | $270,560 | +239.3% | $130.08/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in CA | $252,010 | +216.0% | $121.16/hr |
| Pediatrician in CA | $214,140 | +168.5% | $102.95/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in CA | $203,840 | +155.6% | $98.00/hr |
| Podiatrist in CA | $201,300 | +152.4% | $96.78/hr |
| Cardiologist in CA | $185,610 | +132.7% | $89.24/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in CA | $168,520 | +111.3% | $81.02/hr |
| Dentist in CA | $165,950 | +108.1% | $79.78/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do licensed practical nurses make in California?
- Licensed practical nurses in California earn a median salary of $79,750 per year, or approximately $38 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 19.5% premium for working in California.
What is the salary range for LPNs in California?
- The salary range for licensed practical nurses in California spans from $64,390 at the lower end to $100,450 at the upper end, providing considerable variation based on experience, employer, and specialization.
Is it worth becoming an LPN in California compared to the national average?
- Yes, California offers competitive compensation for LPNs with a median salary of $79,750 that exceeds the national average by 19.5%. This makes California an attractive state for licensed practical nurses seeking higher earning potential.
How many licensed practical nurses are employed in California?
- There are 82,850 licensed practical nurses currently employed in California, indicating a substantial job market for this profession in the state.