Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Salary in California
A licensed practical nurse (lpn) in California earns an estimated $71,500 a year ($34.38 an hour). Most workers fall from $48,600 to $103,700, depending on experience and employer.
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Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) pay in California
| Per year | Per hour | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level (estimate) | $48,600 | $23.37 |
| Median (estimate) | $71,500 | $34.38 |
| Experienced (estimate) | $103,700 | $49.86 |
| US national median | $62,000 | $29.81 |
The California estimate is 15% above the national median, reflecting local prices and wages.
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Take-home pay
On the median figure a single filer in California keeps about $55,555 a year after federal tax, FICA and state tax, or $2,136.74 per biweekly paycheck. Try your exact numbers in the California paycheck calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a licensed practical nurse (lpn) make in California?
About $71,500 a year at the median (estimate).
Is this an official figure?
No. It is an estimate based on the national BLS median and a state wage index. Check BLS OEWS tables for official data.
Sources and method
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Bureau of Economic Analysis: regional price parities
- Estimate, not official state data
Page last updated November 2026. See our editorial policy and disclaimer.