San Diego vs Sacramento: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between San Diego, CA and Sacramento, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | Sacramento, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,264 | $86,219▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.51 | $41.46▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,652 | $69,413▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $79,740 | $80,998▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $94,115 | $101,831▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,884 | $110,858▲ |
| Total Employed | 6,610▲ | 4,760 |
Verdict
Sacramento, CA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Diego.
The salary gap between San Diego and Sacramento is $1,955 (2.32%). 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 San Diego spans $33,232,Sacramento spans $41,445. Sacramento 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 7.32% 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…
- ✓Larger job market (6,610 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($86,219/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($110,858)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,828)
- ✓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 38.7% growth in Sacramento over the same period.
San Diego, CA
$61,830 (2019) → $79,720 (2025)
Sacramento, CA
$58,830 (2019) → $81,570 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Diego, CA
Sacramento, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: San Diego or Sacramento?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Diego and Sacramento?
Should I relocate from San Diego to Sacramento as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in San Diego vs Sacramento?
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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