Carson vs Los Angeles: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Carson, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Carson, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,849 | $83,831▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $39.35 | $40.30▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,475 | $67,859▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $76,066 | $78,070▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $94,198 | $98,227▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $109,577▲ | $102,138 |
| Total Employed | 21 | 33,590▲ |
Verdict
Los Angeles, CA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Carson.
The salary gap between Carson and Los Angeles is $1,982 (2.42%). Los Angeles's median is +23.15% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Carson spans $44,102,Los Angeles spans $34,279. Carson has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Los Angeles ($73,817 effective) pays 2.00% more than Carson ($72,369 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Carson if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($109,577)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($83,831/year)
- ✓Larger job market (33,590 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,817)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Carson grew -10.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 37.5% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Carson, CA
$86,459 (2024) → $77,435 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$57,690 (2019) → $79,310 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Carson, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Carson or Los Angeles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Carson and Los Angeles?
Should I relocate from Carson to Los Angeles as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Carson vs Los Angeles?
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Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov