Sacramento vs San Leandro: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Sacramento, CA and San Leandro, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sacramento, CA | San Leandro, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,219▲ | $82,087 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.46▲ | $39.47 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,413▲ | $65,959 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,998▲ | $76,571 |
| 75th Percentile | $101,831▲ | $94,818 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $110,858▲ | $110,158 |
| Total Employed | 4,760▲ | 23 |
Verdict
Sacramento, CA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to San Leandro.
The salary gap between Sacramento and San Leandro is $4,132 (5.03%). Sacramento's median is +26.66% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Sacramento spans $41,445,San Leandro spans $44,199. San Leandro 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, Sacramento ($80,828 effective) pays 11.37% more than San Leandro ($72,579 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($86,219/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($110,858)
- ✓Larger job market (4,760 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,828)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Leandro if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Sacramento grew 38.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -10.4% growth in San Leandro over the same period.
Sacramento, CA
$58,830 (2019) → $81,570 (2025)
San Leandro, CA
$86,710 (2024) → $77,660 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sacramento, CA
San Leandro, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Sacramento or San Leandro?
What is the hourly rate difference between Sacramento and San Leandro?
Should I relocate from Sacramento to San Leandro as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Sacramento vs San Leandro?
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