Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Sacramento, CA: $63,712 (2024)
Official 2024 BLS Data | $30.63/hour | $40,732 - $93,963 range
Median Annual Salary
$63,712
Hourly Rate
$30.63
/hour
Jobs in Area
538
employed
Compare to Other Cities
See All →Sacramento, CA
$63,712
San Jose, CA
$82,159
in San Jose, CA
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary Range in Sacramento, CA
Annual Salary Range
$41k
10th percentile
$54k
25th
$78k
75th
$94k
90th percentile
Salary Breakdown by Percentile
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $40,732 | $19.58 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,670 | $25.80 |
| Median (50th Percentile) | $63,712 | $30.63 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,635 | $37.32 |
| 90th Percentile (Top Earners) | $93,963 | $45.17 |
| Average (Mean) | $69,996 | $33.65 |
Licensed Practical Nurse Market Insights for Sacramento, CA
Compensation Overview
Licensed Practical Nurse compensation in Sacramento, CA aligns with regional expectations. The salary range from $40,732 to $93,963 provides a clear picture of earning potential at different career stages.
Local Market Context
Sacramento, CA offers competitive compensation that aligns closely with national benchmarks. The California economy supports a diverse range of industries, providing stable employment opportunities across multiple sectors.
Cost of Living Impact
Cost of living adjustments reduce effective purchasing power by approximately 16% compared to national averages. When evaluating opportunities in Sacramento, CA, factor in higher expenses for housing and daily necessities.
Career Outlook
The Licensed Practical Nurse profession offers diverse career opportunities across industries. Professional development and continuous learning are key factors in advancing within this field. With a 131% salary range from entry-level to top earners, there is substantial room for financial growth as you advance in your career.
Tips for Increasing Your Salary
- •Develop specialized expertise to command higher compensation—top earners make 47% more than median salaries
- •Build a professional network through industry associations and local business groups
- •Pursue relevant certifications or advanced education to demonstrate expertise
+7%
vs National Avg
+12%
vs State Avg
131%
Salary Range
538
Jobs in Area
Career Path & Salary Progression
Typical Licensed Practical Nurse salary growth in Sacramento, CA based on experience level.
Entry Level
0-2 years10th percentile
$40,732
/year
Early Career
2-5 years25th percentile
$53,670
/year
Mid Career
5-10 years50th percentile
$63,712
/year
Senior
10-15 years75th percentile
$77,635
/year
Expert
15+ years90th percentile
$93,963
/year
Next Career Steps
Common career progressions from Licensed Practical Nurse:
Note: Career progression and salary growth vary based on company size, industry, skills, and performance. These estimates use percentile data from the BLS as a general guide for typical career paths.
Licensed Practical Nurse Job Market in Sacramento, CA
Where Licensed Practical Nurses Work
Licensed Practical Nurses work across multiple industries including corporations, government agencies, healthcare organizations, and consulting firms. Each sector offers different compensation structures and career trajectories.
Local Employment Landscape
Employment in this occupation is more limited in Sacramento, CA compared to larger metros. Professionals may find opportunities concentrated among fewer employers, making employer research and networking particularly valuable.
Types of Employers Hiring
Large Corporations
Typically offer comprehensive benefits, structured advancement, and competitive base salaries with bonus potential
Small to Medium Businesses
May provide more responsibility earlier in your career, flexible work arrangements, and equity opportunities
Government Agencies
Known for job security, excellent benefits packages, pension plans, and work-life balance
Professional Services Firms
Provide client exposure, rapid skill development, and often above-market compensation for top performers
Skills That Increase Earning Potential
Job Search Strategy for Sacramento, CA
- •Research major employers in the Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom area and follow them on LinkedIn for job alerts
- •Join local professional associations for networking and job leads specific to California
- •Tailor your salary expectations based on the Sacramento, CA market rate of $63,712
- •Consider roles at varying experience levels—entry positions start at $40,732 in this market
Licensed Practical Nurse Career Overview in Sacramento, CA
The job market for Licensed Practical Nurses in Sacramento, CA is moderate, with approximately 538 professionals employed across the metropolitan area. This represents a growing presence of Licensed Practical Nurse positions, reflecting the region's economic base and employer diversity in Sacramento, CA. Compensation aligns closely with national benchmarks, indicating a balanced supply-demand dynamic in this market.
Sacramento, CA's diverse economy supports healthcare roles across multiple sectors including healthcare, education, government, technology, manufacturing, and professional services. Major employers in California range from large corporations and hospital systems to mid-size regional firms and growing startups. This employer diversity provides career stability and mobility, as professionals can advance their careers without necessarily relocating. The mix of public and private sector opportunities also creates varied compensation structures, with some employers offering lower base salaries but stronger benefits and job security.
The growth outlook for Licensed Practical Nurse positions in Sacramento, CA is projected to remain stable with opportunities tied to local economic growth and industry trends. With 538 current positions and a median salary of $63,712, the market provides a solid foundation for career development. Professionals who invest in continuing education and stay current with industry developments position themselves for both job security and upward salary mobility. The combination of Sacramento, CA's economic trajectory and broader industry trends suggests that qualified Licensed Practical Nurses will continue to find opportunities in this market over the coming years.
When comparing Sacramento, CA to other metros for Licensed Practical Nurse careers, the high cost of living (index: 119.2) is an important factor. The nominal median salary of $63,712 translates to roughly $53,450 in purchasing power after adjusting for local costs. This means that despite the higher paycheck, Licensed Practical Nurses here may find their dollars stretch less far than peers in more affordable metros. Professionals weighing relocation should run a full cost-of-living comparison that accounts for housing, taxes, transportation, and childcare before making a decision based on salary alone.
The Healthcare field in Sacramento, CA benefits from the region's broader economic ecosystem. Local industry associations, professional networking groups, and continuing education opportunities through area universities and community colleges help Licensed Practical Nurses stay connected and advance their careers. California's business incentive programs and workforce development initiatives also play a role in attracting employers and creating positions. For Licensed Practical Nurses early in their career, Sacramento, CA offers the chance to build a professional network in a market where individual contributions are often more visible than in the largest metros, potentially accelerating career progression.
Licensed Practical Nurse Compensation Deep Dive in Sacramento, CA
The salary range for Licensed Practical Nurses in Sacramento, CA spans from $40,732 at the entry level (10th percentile) to $93,963 for top earners (90th percentile), a spread of $53,231. This 131% differential reflects the significant impact that experience, specialization, credentials, and employer type have on compensation in this field. The median salary of $63,712 sits at the midpoint of the market, representing what a Licensed Practical Nurse with moderate experience and standard qualifications can expect. The 25th percentile ($53,670) typically corresponds to early-career professionals with 1-3 years of experience, while the 75th percentile ($77,635) reflects seasoned professionals with specialized skills or management responsibilities.
Base salary tells only part of the compensation story for Licensed Practical Nurses in Sacramento, CA. Total compensation packages commonly include health insurance (valued at $6,000-$15,000 annually for employer contributions), retirement plan matching (typically 3-6% of salary, worth $2,548 per year at the median), paid time off (averaging 15-20 days), and in some cases performance bonuses, stock options, or professional development allowances. When evaluating job offers, Licensed Practical Nurses should request a total compensation breakdown. A position paying $53,670 with strong benefits may deliver more value than one paying $63,712 with minimal perks.
Cost of living directly impacts how far a Licensed Practical Nurse's salary goes in Sacramento, CA. With a local cost-of-living index of 119.2 (where 100 equals the national average), the median salary of $63,712 provides purchasing power equivalent to approximately $53,450 in an average-cost U.S. city. This means everyday expenses, especially housing, consume a larger share of income here. Licensed Practical Nurses should factor in rent or mortgage costs (which may account for 30-40% of gross income) when evaluating offers.
Negotiating Licensed Practical Nurse compensation in Sacramento, CA requires market awareness. The gap between the 25th and 75th percentiles ($53,670 to $77,635) represents the most common negotiation range. Candidates with in-demand certifications, niche expertise, or competing offers have the strongest leverage. In this market, employers already pay above-average rates, so negotiation gains may be more incremental. Asking for a salary review after 6-12 months, signing bonuses, or additional PTO are effective alternatives when base salary flexibility is limited. On an hourly basis, Licensed Practical Nurses in this market earn between $20 and $45 per hour, with the median at $31.
Licensed Practical Nurse Career Path & Growth in Sacramento, CA
The career trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Sacramento, CA shows significant earning potential over time. Entry-level professionals start around $40,732, while top earners reach $93,963, representing a 2.3x increase from start to peak. This progression typically unfolds over 10-20 years and is driven by accumulating expertise, taking on leadership responsibilities, developing specializations, and building a professional reputation. In Sacramento, CA's healthcare market, professionals who demonstrate consistent performance improvements and take on increasingly complex projects advance most quickly. Mid-career transitions into management, consulting, or entrepreneurship can also accelerate earnings beyond the standard progression curve.
Licensed Practical Nurses in Sacramento, CA who are exploring career pivots or complementary roles should consider positions such as related professionals in the same field, supervisory roles, and cross-functional positions. These adjacent occupations often share transferable skills and can offer different compensation structures, work environments, or growth trajectories. In Sacramento, CA's job market, professionals who develop cross-functional capabilities spanning multiple related roles tend to be more resilient to market shifts and better positioned for leadership opportunities. Lateral moves can also provide valuable perspective that strengthens a professional's long-term career trajectory.
The skills most in demand for Licensed Practical Nurses in Sacramento, CA include industry-specific technical competencies, communication and collaboration skills, analytical thinking, and adaptability to new tools and processes. Employers in Sacramento, CA value professionals who combine deep subject-matter expertise with the ability to work effectively across teams and adapt to evolving industry requirements. Pursuing relevant professional certifications can provide a measurable salary boost of 5-15% and signal commitment to the field. Continuous learning through industry conferences, online courses, and professional associations helps Licensed Practical Nurses stay competitive in Sacramento, CA's evolving job market.
More Questions About Licensed Practical Nurse Salaries in Sacramento, CA
What is the starting salary for a Licensed Practical Nurse in Sacramento, CA?
Entry-level Licensed Practical Nurses in Sacramento, CA (10th percentile) earn approximately $40,732 per year, or about $3,394 per month. The 25th percentile, representing early-career professionals with some experience, earns $53,670. These figures reflect base salary only; new hires may also receive benefits worth an additional 20-30% of base pay. Building specialized skills and pursuing relevant certifications are the fastest paths to moving beyond entry-level compensation.
How much do experienced Licensed Practical Nurses make in Sacramento, CA?
Experienced Licensed Practical Nurses at the 75th percentile earn $77,635 annually in Sacramento, CA, while top earners at the 90th percentile make $93,963. The jump from median ($63,712) to 75th percentile represents a 22% increase, typically achieved through 5-10 years of experience, management responsibilities, or specialized expertise. Senior professionals who combine technical depth with leadership skills are best positioned for top-tier compensation.
Is Sacramento, CA a good city for Licensed Practical Nurses?
Sacramento, CA offers competitive compensation that closely tracks national averages. With 538 Licensed Practical Nurse positions in the metro area, the market is smaller but can offer less competition and more personal career development. Quality of life, industry presence, and long-term career trajectory should all factor into your evaluation alongside salary data.
How does Licensed Practical Nurse pay in Sacramento, CA compare to the national average?
The median Licensed Practical Nurse salary in Sacramento, CA is $63,712, which is 7% higher than the national median of $59,730. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective purchasing power is $53,450, which provides a more accurate comparison. Within California, Sacramento, CA ranks among the higher-paying metros for this occupation.
What benefits do Licensed Practical Nurses typically receive in Sacramento, CA?
Beyond base salary, Licensed Practical Nurses in Sacramento, CA typically receive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement contributions (401k matching of 3-6%), paid time off (15-25 days annually), and sometimes performance bonuses or profit sharing. The total value of benefits often adds 25-35% on top of base salary, meaning a Licensed Practical Nurse earning the median of $63,712 may receive total compensation of $82,826 or more. Some employers also offer tuition reimbursement, professional development budgets, flexible work arrangements, and wellness programs.
What skills are most in demand for Licensed Practical Nurses in Sacramento, CA?
Licensed Practical Nurses in Sacramento, CA who command the highest salaries typically combine core technical competencies with strong communication skills, analytical thinking, adaptability, and a commitment to professional development. Employers in this market particularly value professionals who can demonstrate measurable impact, whether through revenue generation, cost savings, process improvements, or team leadership. Certifications relevant to the Healthcare field can increase earning potential by 5-15%. Staying current with industry trends and emerging technologies is essential for career advancement and salary growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
The median licensed practical nurse salary in Sacramento, CA is $63,712 per year ($30.63/hour) as of 2026. This is based on official U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Salaries range from $40,732 for entry-level positions to $93,963 for experienced professionals in the top 10%.
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Sacramento, CA typically start at around $40,732 per year ($19.58/hour), representing the 10th percentile. New graduates and those with less than 2 years of experience fall into this range. With experience and skill development, salaries can progress to the median of $63,712 within 3-5 years.
Licensed Practical Nurses in Sacramento, CA earn a median hourly wage of $30.63 per hour. Hourly rates range from $19.58/hour at entry-level (10th percentile) to $45.17/hour for top earners (90th percentile). Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, this translates to annual salaries between $40,732 and $93,963.
The median licensed practical nurse salary of $63,712 in Sacramento, CA is above the national median of $59,730 (6.7% higher). The cost of living is 19% above average. This salary places you at the 50th percentile, meaning half of licensed practical nurses in the area earn more and half earn less.
Licensed Practical Nurses in Sacramento, CA earn above the national average. The local median salary of $63,712 is 6.7% higher than the national median of $59,730. The cost of living is 19% above average. When adjusted for cost of living, the effective salary is approximately $53,450.
The top 10% of licensed practical nurses in Sacramento, CA earn $93,963 or more per year ($45.17/hour). These top earners typically have 10+ years of experience, advanced certifications, specialized expertise, or hold senior/management positions. The 75th percentile earns $77,635, which is a realistic goal for mid-career professionals.
Key skills that can boost licensed practical nurse salary in Sacramento, CA include: Strong communication and interpersonal abilities, Problem-solving and critical thinking, Technical proficiency relevant to the field, Attention to detail and organizational skills. Professionals with these skills often earn above the median of $63,712, potentially reaching the 75th percentile ($77,635) or higher. Years of relevant experience
Sacramento, CA has a moderate job market for licensed practical nurses, with approximately 538 professionals employed in the area. The median salary of $63,712 is above the national average. The cost of living is 19% above average. Job seekers should consider both salary and local industry demand when evaluating opportunities.
Compare your licensed practical nurse salary to these Sacramento, CA benchmarks: 10th percentile (entry-level): $40,732, 25th percentile: $53,670, 50th percentile (median): $63,712, 75th percentile: $77,635, 90th percentile (top earners): $93,963. If you earn more than $63,712, you're above average for the area.
Beyond the $63,712 median base salary, licensed practical nurses in Sacramento, CA typically receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement plans (401k with employer matching), paid time off (15-25 days), and potentially bonuses or profit-sharing. Total compensation including benefits typically adds 25-40% to base salary value.
Experienced licensed practical nurses with 5-10 years in Sacramento, CA typically earn $77,635 (75th percentile) to $93,963 (90th percentile) per year. Senior professionals with 10+ years, certifications, or management roles can reach the top 10% at $93,963. Mid-career professionals (3-5 years) usually earn around the median of $63,712.
Licensed Practical Nurses in Sacramento, CA can see significant salary growth over their careers. Entry-level ($40,732) to median ($63,712) typically takes 3-5 years. Reaching the 90th percentile ($93,963) may take 10+ years and often requires specialized skills, certifications, or leadership experience. That's a potential growth of $53,231 over a career.
Data Source & Methodology
Official government statistics you can trust
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) Program
Visit Official BLS WebsiteData Year
2024
2 Years Old
Geographic Area
Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom
Metropolitan Statistical Area
Occupation Code
29-2061
SOC Classification
Sample Size
538
Employees Surveyed
How This Data Is Collected
The OEWS program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations across all metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. Approximately 1.1 million establishments are surveyed over a three-year period, representing the most comprehensive wage data available for the U.S. labor market.
Note: Percentile wages represent actual reported wages and may differ from individual compensation packages that include benefits, bonuses, and equity.
Last updated: January 23, 2026
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Licensed Practical Nurse in Sacramento, CA
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Median: $63,712/yr
How Sacramento, CA Compares
vs National Average
$59,730
vs California Average
$57,019
Cost-of-Living Adjusted
$53,450
Cost of living in Sacramento, CA is 19.2% above the national average.
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