Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Lake Forest, CA: $39.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Lake Forest, CA runs $39.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,994 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Lake Forest's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,191 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lake Forest, California, the licensed practical nurse hourly pay sits at a competitive $39.42, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $32.73. This robust hourly rate positions LPNs favorably within the job market and translates particularly well for those seeking part-time or per-diem positions in various healthcare settings, including skilled nursing facilities and home health visits. A part-time LPN working three days a week might earn approximately $627 for a 24-hour work week, while per-diem workers can take home varying amounts that allow for greater flexibility while delivering essential patient care. The hourly pay for LPNs in Lake Forest ranges from $31.49 at the lower end for entry-level positions to $51.48 for experienced professionals, reflecting the local demand and cost of living adjustments.
About the Lake Forest Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.49 | $251.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.85 | $286.83 |
| Median (P50) | $39.42 | $315.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.95 | $375.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.48 | $411.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lake Forest
Based on $39.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.42/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lake Forest, CA can expect to earn approximately $81,984 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,299. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lake Forest.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lake Forest
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,576.62 | $6,832 | $81,984 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $945.97 | $4,099 | $49,191 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $630.65 | $2,733 | $32,794 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Lake Forest) | $39.42 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) (National Avg) | $18.60 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $19.70 |
| Home Health / Personal Care Aide (National Avg) | $16.80 |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Lake Forest, CA earn a median of $81,994 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.45% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 1.80% below the California state average of $83,497.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.42/hr = $49,191/year (purchasing power: $43,493).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,984/year (purchasing power: $72,488).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.49/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.29/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Lake Forest (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.49/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.83/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.29/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.66/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Lake Forest grew 35.6% from $27.49/hr (2019) to $37.29/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.66/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem licensed practical nurses can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lake Forest metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.70% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Licensed Practical Nurse in Lake Forest
When considering the earning potential of licensed practical nurses in Lake Forest, part-time work allows LPNs to take home substantial wages annually, with flexibility being a key benefit. While full-time LPNs can expect consistent income, those choosing to work three days weekly may find a balance between work and personal life, especially with the option of supplemental income through per-diem work. Per diem licensed practical nurse pay in Lake Forest typically falls between $28 and $42 per hour, with agency LPNs urging for higher rates as they fill in gaps in understaffed facilities, often making $45 to $60 per hour. Different sectors significantly impact hourly rates; for instance, skilled nursing facilities may offer lower hourly rates, but often compensate with benefits like health insurance, while others may provide higher pay without additional perks. LPNs in Lake Forest negotiating their hourly rates should be informed about these substantial variations, as the right balance of pay, hours, and benefits can greatly enhance their overall job satisfaction in the nursing profession.
More salary data for Lake Forest, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Lake Forest in 2026?
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Related Pages
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for licensed practical nurses in Lake Forest. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lake Forest is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.70%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for licensed practical nurses (SOC 29-2061).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov