Los Angeles vs Santa Cruz: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Santa Cruz, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Santa Cruz, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,831 | $85,617▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.30 | $41.16▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,859 | $68,187▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $78,070 | $80,903▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $98,227 | $102,487▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,138 | $107,624▲ |
| Total Employed | 33,590▲ | 340 |
Verdict
Santa Cruz, CA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and Santa Cruz is $1,786 (2.13%). Santa Cruz's median is +25.78% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Los Angeles spans $34,279,Santa Cruz spans $39,437. Santa Cruz 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, Santa Cruz ($77,907 effective) pays 5.54% 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 Los Angeles if…
- ✓Larger job market (33,590 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Cruz if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($85,617/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($107,624)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,907)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Los Angeles grew 37.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 26.8% growth in Santa Cruz over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$57,690 (2019) → $79,310 (2025)
Santa Cruz, CA
$63,880 (2019) → $81,000 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Santa Cruz, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Los Angeles or Santa Cruz?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Santa Cruz?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to Santa Cruz as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Los Angeles vs Santa Cruz?
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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