El Cajon vs San Francisco: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between El Cajon, CA and San Francisco, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | El Cajon, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,077 | $99,686▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $39.94 | $47.92▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,787 | $80,226▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $74,149 | $86,304▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $99,253 | $110,044▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $109,500 | $115,340▲ |
| Total Employed | 18 | 8,800▲ |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to El Cajon.
The salary gap between El Cajon and San Francisco is $16,609 (19.99%). San Francisco's median is +46.44% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in El Cajon spans $47,713,San Francisco spans $35,114. El Cajon 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, San Francisco ($86,224 effective) pays 17.38% more than El Cajon ($73,454 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose El Cajon if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($99,686/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($115,340)
- ✓Larger job market (8,800 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $86,224)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in El Cajon grew -10.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 39.7% growth in San Francisco over the same period.
El Cajon, CA
$87,757 (2024) → $78,597 (2025)
San Francisco, CA
$67,520 (2019) → $94,310 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
El Cajon, CA
San Francisco, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: El Cajon or San Francisco?
What is the hourly rate difference between El Cajon and San Francisco?
Should I relocate from El Cajon to San Francisco as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in El Cajon vs San Francisco?
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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