Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Lakewood, CA: $39.13 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Lakewood, CA runs $39.13 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,392 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Lakewood's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.60 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,834 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lakewood, the estimated licensed practical nurse hourly pay stands at $39.13, which is significantly above the national median hourly rate of $32.73. This competitive rate provides a robust framework for both part-time and per-diem opportunities within various healthcare settings, including skilled nursing facilities and home health visits. For example, a licensed practical nurse working part-time for just three days a week can benefit from steady hourly earnings while experiencing a more flexible schedule. The hourly range for LPNs in the area varies from about $30.96 for entry-level positions to $50.52 for experienced professionals, reflecting the diverse employment scenarios presented in Lakewood’s healthcare landscape. These hourly estimates are derived from projected annual salaries and indicate a healthy earning potential for those entering the field.
About the Lakewood 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) | $30.96 | $247.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.25 | $282.01 |
| Median (P50) | $39.13 | $313.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.26 | $370.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.52 | $404.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lakewood
Based on $39.13/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.13/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lakewood, CA can expect to earn approximately $81,391 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,956. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lakewood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lakewood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,565.21 | $6,783 | $81,391 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $939.12 | $4,070 | $48,834 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $626.08 | $2,713 | $32,556 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Lakewood) | $39.13 |
| 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 Lakewood, CA earn a median of $81,392 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.57% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 2.50% below the California state average of $83,479.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.13/hr = $48,834/year (purchasing power: $43,178).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,391/year (purchasing power: $71,963).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.29/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.02/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.13/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.29/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.06/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.63/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.34/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.02/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.13/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Lakewood grew 35.6% from $27.29/hr (2019) to $37.02/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.36/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 Lakewood 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 Lakewood
When considering part-time employment, a licensed practical nurse in Lakewood can expect to take home approximately $49,669 annually when working a 24-hour week. In contrast, full-time positions may lead to significantly higher earnings. Notably, per diem licensed practical nurse pay in Lakewood varies widely, with those positioned in agency roles often billing between $28 and $42 an hour, while some can command up to $60 an hour, especially in high-demand situations like understaffed skilled nursing facilities. Hourly rates can fluctuate considerably across different employer types; for instance, LPNs in hospitals or correctional facilities may receive compensation more aligned with higher wage brackets. Licensed practical nurses should carefully weigh benefits packages against hourly pay—as some may prefer the security that comes with employer-sponsored health insurance, while others might prioritize higher wages without benefits. Additionally, negotiating for competitive pay is vital, especially given the strong demand for LPNs in various health care venues within Lakewood.
More salary data for Lakewood, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Lakewood in 2026?
How much do part-time licensed practical nurses make in Lakewood?
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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 Lakewood. 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 Lakewood 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