San Diego vs Oxnard: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between San Diego, CA and Oxnard, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | Oxnard, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,264▲ | $83,524 |
| Hourly Rate | $40.51▲ | $40.16 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,652▲ | $68,208 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,740▲ | $79,381 |
| 75th Percentile | $94,115▲ | $90,479 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,884▲ | $100,700 |
| Total Employed | 6,610▲ | 1,230 |
Verdict
San Diego, CA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Oxnard.
The salary gap between San Diego and Oxnard is $740 (0.89%). San Diego's median is +23.79% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Diego spans $33,232,Oxnard spans $32,492. San Diego 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, Oxnard ($75,564 effective) pays 0.34% more than San Diego ($75,312 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($84,264/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($101,884)
- ✓Larger job market (6,610 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Oxnard if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,564)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in San Diego grew 28.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 42.1% growth in Oxnard over the same period.
San Diego, CA
$61,830 (2019) → $79,720 (2025)
Oxnard, CA
$55,590 (2019) → $79,020 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Diego, CA
Oxnard, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: San Diego or Oxnard?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Diego and Oxnard?
Should I relocate from San Diego to Oxnard as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in San Diego vs Oxnard?
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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