San Jose vs Fresno: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between San Jose, CA and Fresno, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Jose, CA | Fresno, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $100,753▲ | $79,888 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.44▲ | $38.41 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,727▲ | $65,703 |
| 25th Percentile | $88,788▲ | $69,255 |
| 75th Percentile | $106,704▲ | $83,788 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $119,674▲ | $99,802 |
| Total Employed | 3,290▲ | 2,360 |
Verdict
San Jose, CA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fresno.
The salary gap between San Jose and Fresno is $20,865 (26.12%). San Jose's median is +48.01% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Jose spans $37,947,Fresno spans $34,099. San Jose 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, San Jose ($91,243 effective) pays 16.68% more than Fresno ($78,200 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose San Jose if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($100,753/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($119,674)
- ✓Larger job market (3,290 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $91,243)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Fresno 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 Jose grew 45.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 51.5% growth in Fresno over the same period.
San Jose, CA
$65,710 (2019) → $95,320 (2025)
Fresno, CA
$49,890 (2019) → $75,580 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Jose, CA
Fresno, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: San Jose or Fresno?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Jose and Fresno?
Should I relocate from San Jose to Fresno as a licensed practical nurse?
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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