Hayward vs Los Angeles: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Hayward, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hayward, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,609▲ | $83,831 |
| Hourly Rate | $40.67▲ | $40.30 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,376 | $67,859▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $79,176▲ | $78,070 |
| 75th Percentile | $103,011▲ | $98,227 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $114,433▲ | $102,138 |
| Total Employed | 23 | 33,590▲ |
Verdict
Hayward, CA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between Hayward and Los Angeles is $778 (0.93%). Hayward's median is +24.30% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hayward spans $53,057,Los Angeles spans $34,279. Hayward 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, Hayward ($74,809 effective) pays 1.34% more than Los Angeles ($73,817 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hayward if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($84,609/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($114,433)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,809)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Larger job market (33,590 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Hayward grew -10.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 37.5% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Hayward, CA
$89,375 (2024) → $80,046 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$57,690 (2019) → $79,310 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hayward, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Hayward or Los Angeles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hayward and Los Angeles?
Should I relocate from Hayward to Los Angeles as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Hayward 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