Based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data — updated August 12, 2026.
| California | National | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median annual salary | $79,750 | $66,500 | +20% |
| Median hourly wage | $38.34 | $31.97 | +20% |
Adjusted for local price levels (100 = national average), the cost-adjusted median is $72,042.
| City | Median | Entry Level | Experienced | Cost of Living |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City-level data coming soon. | ||||
The median annual salary for a Licensed Practical Nurse in California is $79,750, or about $38.34 per hour, according to BLS OEWS data.
The national median for Licensed Practical Nurses is $66,500. California is +20% above the national median.
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in California typically earn from varies by experience depending on the city and employer.
With 82,850 licensed practical nurse jobs on record and a median salary of $79,750, California offers above-average pay compared to the rest of the country.