Lompoc vs Los Angeles: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Lompoc, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lompoc, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $82,645 | $83,831▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $39.73 | $40.30▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,462 | $67,859▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $75,995 | $78,070▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $94,974 | $98,227▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,025 | $102,138▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 33,590▲ |
Verdict
Los Angeles, CA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lompoc.
The salary gap between Lompoc and Los Angeles is $1,186 (1.44%). 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 Lompoc spans $35,563,Los Angeles spans $34,279. Lompoc 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 1.02% more than Lompoc ($73,073 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lompoc if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($83,831/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($102,138)
- ✓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 Lompoc grew -10.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 37.5% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Lompoc, CA
$87,300 (2024) → $78,188 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$57,690 (2019) → $79,310 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lompoc, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Lompoc or Los Angeles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lompoc and Los Angeles?
Should I relocate from Lompoc to Los Angeles as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Lompoc vs Los Angeles?
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