Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Oakland, CA: $49.01 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Oakland, CA runs $49.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,954 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Oakland's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $43.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,168 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the licensed practical nurse hourly pay in Oakland, California, stands at an impressive $49.01, significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $32.73. This discrepancy underscores the demand for LPNs in various settings, including skilled nursing facilities, home health visits, and physician offices. For part-time LPNs working three days a week, this translates to a substantial income, emphasizing the profession's appeal to those seeking flexible schedules. The hourly range for LPNs in Oakland varies from $36.05 for entry-level positions to $67.13 for top earners, allowing for significant upward mobility as experience and expertise grow. Important to note is that these rates are derived from projected annual salary estimates, which provide a clear picture of both immediate earning potential and long-term financial prospects.
About the Oakland 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) | $36.05 | $288.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.46 | $347.71 |
| Median (P50) | $49.01 | $392.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59.78 | $478.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67.13 | $537.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oakland
Based on $49.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.01/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oakland, CA can expect to earn approximately $101,947 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,816. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Oakland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oakland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,960.52 | $8,496 | $101,947 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,176.31 | $5,097 | $61,168 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $784.21 | $3,398 | $40,779 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Oakland) | $49.01 |
| 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 Oakland, CA earn a median of $101,954 per year (2026 est.), which is 49.78% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 22.10% above the California state average of $83,500.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.01/hr = $61,168/year (purchasing power: $54,083).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,947/year (purchasing power: $90,139).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$34.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.01/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Oakland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.15/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.61/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.01/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Oakland grew 35.6% from $34.19/hr (2019) to $46.37/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.81/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 Oakland 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 Oakland
Part-time licensed practical nurses in Oakland can expect to earn a competitive income, taking home approximately $58,596 annually by working 24 hours a week at the prevailing hourly rate. For those considering per diem work, the pay scale reflects a diverse range; per diem licensed practical nurse pay in Oakland typically falls between $28 to $42 per hour, while agency rates at understaffed facilities can reach up to $60 per hour. Employment settings influence these rates: skilled nursing facilities and hospice care tend to offer more stability, while post-acute care positions may pay less but include benefits. Many LPNs must weigh the trade-off between higher hourly rates without health insurance and employment options with comprehensive benefits, which can be crucial for personal financial stability. Negotiating hourly pay effectively involves understanding local market rates and the specific perks offered by different employers in Oakland, enabling practical nurses to maximize their earning potential in an evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Oakland, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Oakland in 2026?
How much do part-time licensed practical nurses make in Oakland?
Are licensed practical nurses in Oakland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time licensed practical nurse make per year in Oakland?
Do licensed practical nurses earn more per hour working part-time in Oakland?
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 Oakland. 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 Oakland 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