Average Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in California

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs), also called licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) in California and Texas, provide basic nursing care under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians. They are a critical component of healthcare delivery across hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and home health settings. The BLS median salary is $54,620, with strong regional variation — metro areas in California, Alaska, and Massachusetts pay significantly above the national median. With over 900,000 LPN positions in the US and projected growth of 6% through 2032, the role offers a reliable career pathway requiring only one year of post-secondary education.

In California, licensed practical nurses earn an average of $70,621 per year as of 2026, with salaries ranging from $46,211 for entry-level roles to $103,871 for the most experienced professionals — +18.2% above the national average. Pay is influenced most by state and geographic location — california and alaska lpns earn median wages 40–50% above the national median, work setting — home health and hospice lpns often earn more than facility-based roles, and the specific metro area within California.