Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Milpitas, CA: $38.96 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Milpitas, CA runs $38.96 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,048 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Milpitas's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,623 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, licensed practical nurses in Milpitas, California, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $38.96, which is notably higher than the national median of $32.73. This hourly wage presents significant opportunities for part-time and per-diem work, particularly in settings such as skilled nursing facilities, home health visits, and physician offices. For those working three days a week, this translates into a potential income that can significantly alleviate living expenses in a city with a cost of living index of 113.1. The hourly rate for licensed practical nurses ranges from $30.57 at the lower end to $51.31 for the top earners, highlighting the potential for increased income with experience and specialization in areas like hospice care or correctional facilities. These numbers reflect 2026 estimates based on 2025 BLS data, making them crucial for current LPNs or those considering stepping into the field in Milpitas.
About the Milpitas 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) | $30.57 | $244.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.76 | $286.07 |
| Median (P50) | $38.96 | $311.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.79 | $374.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.31 | $410.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Milpitas
Based on $38.96/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.96/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Milpitas, CA can expect to earn approximately $81,039 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,753. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Milpitas.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Milpitas
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,558.44 | $6,753 | $81,039 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $935.06 | $4,052 | $48,623 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $623.38 | $2,701 | $32,416 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Milpitas) | $38.96 |
| 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 Milpitas, CA earn a median of $81,048 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.06% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 3.00% below the California state average of $83,554.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.96/hr = $48,623/year (purchasing power: $42,991).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,039/year (purchasing power: $71,652).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.96/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Milpitas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.18/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.94/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.19/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.96/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.18/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Milpitas grew 35.6% from $27.18/hr (2019) to $36.86/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.18/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 Milpitas 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 Milpitas
When considering part-time work, a licensed practical nurse clocking in at 24 hours a week might find their annual take-home pay significantly lower than that of a full-time counterpart, though still rewarding in terms of work-life flexibility. Per diem licensed practical nurse pay in Milpitas varies widely, with common rates ranging from $28 to $42 an hour; working at understaffed nursing facilities on an agency basis can increase earnings to between $45 and $60 per hour. Employer types influence these rates as well, with skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies often offering differing pay scales compared to hospitals or hospice services. Some LPNs choose positions that may offer lower hourly rates but include health insurance benefits, which adds a layer of financial consideration to job negotiations. For those entering the workforce or seeking new positions in Milpitas, understanding local market conditions can provide valuable context for composing a competitive and informed negotiation strategy regarding hourly wages and benefits.
More salary data for Milpitas, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Milpitas in 2026?
How much do part-time licensed practical nurses make in Milpitas?
Are licensed practical nurses in Milpitas paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time licensed practical nurse make per year in Milpitas?
Do licensed practical nurses earn more per hour working part-time in Milpitas?
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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 Milpitas. 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 Milpitas 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