Fresno vs San Francisco: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Fresno, CA and San Francisco, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fresno, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $79,888 | $99,686▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $38.41 | $47.92▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,703 | $80,226▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $69,255 | $86,304▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $83,788 | $110,044▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $99,802 | $115,340▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,360 | 8,800▲ |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fresno.
The salary gap between Fresno and San Francisco is $19,798 (24.78%). 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 Fresno spans $34,099,San Francisco spans $35,114. San Francisco has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, San Francisco ($86,224 effective) pays 10.26% more than Fresno ($78,200 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fresno 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 Fresno grew 51.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 39.7% growth in San Francisco over the same period.
Fresno, CA
$49,890 (2019) → $75,580 (2025)
San Francisco, CA
$67,520 (2019) → $94,310 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fresno, CA
San Francisco, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Fresno or San Francisco?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fresno and San Francisco?
Should I relocate from Fresno to San Francisco as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Fresno vs San Francisco?
Related Comparisons
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