Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Lancaster, CA: $40.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Lancaster, CA runs $40.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,215 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Lancaster's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,130 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lancaster, California, licensed practical nurses earn a median hourly pay of $40.97, reflecting a notable increase compared to the national hourly median of $32.73. This competitive wage translates into substantial earnings for both part-time and per-diem workers in a variety of healthcare settings, including skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, and physician offices. For those looking to work part-time, for instance, LPNs working three days a week can expect to see significant income that allows for flexibility while still supporting a stable lifestyle. The hourly range varies widely, from $30.22 for entry-level positions to as much as $56.12 for top earners. These estimates are grounded in annual salary data, illustrating how the licensed practical nurse hourly rate CA reflects the unique demand for nursing professionals in the region.
About the Lancaster 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) | $30.22 | $241.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.26 | $290.04 |
| Median (P50) | $40.97 | $327.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.72 | $381.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.12 | $448.93 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lancaster
Based on $40.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.97/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lancaster, CA can expect to earn approximately $85,216 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,163. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lancaster.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lancaster
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,638.77 | $7,101 | $85,216 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $983.26 | $4,261 | $51,130 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $655.51 | $2,841 | $34,086 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Lancaster) | $40.97 |
| 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 Lancaster, CA earn a median of $85,215 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.19% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 2.00% above the California state average of $83,544.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.97/hr = $51,130/year (purchasing power: $45,208).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $85,216/year (purchasing power: $75,346).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.58/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.97/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Lancaster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.58/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.95/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Lancaster grew 35.6% from $28.58/hr (2019) to $38.76/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.30/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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster
Exploring the earnings potential for a licensed practical nurse in Lancaster shows that a part-time schedule can yield notable annual income, particularly for those working 24 hours a week. While full-time LPNs generally see a more consistent income trajectory, part-time LPNs benefit from a flexible work-life balance that can appeal to various personal circumstances. Per diem licensed practical nurse pay in Lancaster typically ranges from $28 to $42 per hour, although agency placements in high-need facilities can command rates between $45 and $60 per hour. The type of employer significantly impacts hourly rates; for instance, skilled nursing facilities may offer lower wages than hospitals or specialized clinics, which can lead to variance in benefits like health insurance. When negotiating pay, LPNs in Lancaster should emphasize the advantages of their specialized skills while considering the trade-offs between higher hourly rates without benefits versus lower rates with full-time employment perks that could bolster overall career satisfaction and financial stability.
More salary data for Lancaster, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Lancaster in 2026?
How much do part-time licensed practical nurses make in Lancaster?
Are licensed practical nurses in Lancaster paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time licensed practical nurse make per year in Lancaster?
Do licensed practical nurses earn more per hour working part-time in Lancaster?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 Lancaster. 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 Lancaster 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