San Francisco vs Santa Cruz: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between San Francisco, CA and Santa Cruz, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Francisco, CA | Santa Cruz, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,686▲ | $85,617 |
| Hourly Rate | $47.92▲ | $41.16 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,226▲ | $68,187 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,304▲ | $80,903 |
| 75th Percentile | $110,044▲ | $102,487 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $115,340▲ | $107,624 |
| Total Employed | 8,800▲ | 340 |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Santa Cruz.
The salary gap between San Francisco and Santa Cruz is $14,069 (16.43%). San Francisco's median is +46.44% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Francisco spans $35,114,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, San Francisco ($86,224 effective) pays 10.67% more than Santa Cruz ($77,907 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($99,686/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($115,340)
- ✓Larger job market (8,800 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $86,224)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Cruz if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in San Francisco grew 39.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 26.8% growth in Santa Cruz over the same period.
San Francisco, CA
$67,520 (2019) → $94,310 (2025)
Santa Cruz, CA
$63,880 (2019) → $81,000 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Francisco, CA
Santa Cruz, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: San Francisco or Santa Cruz?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Francisco and Santa Cruz?
Should I relocate from San Francisco to Santa Cruz as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in San Francisco 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