Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Petaluma, CA: $46.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Petaluma, CA runs $46.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $96,922 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Petaluma's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $41.20 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,148 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Petaluma, licensed practical nurse hourly pay stands at a competitive $46.59, significantly higher than the national median of $32.73 per hour. This robust rate enables LPNs engaged in part-time work—perhaps three days a week—to maximize their earnings while enjoying work-life flexibility. Part-time LPNs working this schedule can leverage their skills across various settings including skilled nursing facilities, hospice homes, and assisted living communities. Pay scales vary, with entry-level LPNs starting around $37.31 per hour, while experienced nurses in specialized roles can earn as much as $60.72 per hour. These hourly estimates reflect the healthy demand for skilled practical nurses in the region, providing a solid income base upon which many professional paths can be built.
About the Petaluma 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) | $37.31 | $298.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.33 | $346.61 |
| Median (P50) | $46.59 | $372.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.43 | $443.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.72 | $485.80 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Petaluma
Based on $46.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.59/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Petaluma, CA can expect to earn approximately $96,913 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,911. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Petaluma.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Petaluma
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,863.70 | $8,076 | $96,913 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,118.22 | $4,846 | $58,148 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $745.48 | $3,230 | $38,765 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Petaluma) | $46.59 |
| 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 Petaluma, CA earn a median of $96,922 per year (2026 est.), which is 42.38% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 16.10% above the California state average of $83,481.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.59/hr = $58,148/year (purchasing power: $51,412).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $96,913/year (purchasing power: $85,687).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$32.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.08/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.59/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Petaluma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.90/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.88/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.59/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.08/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Petaluma grew 35.6% from $32.50/hr (2019) to $44.08/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.25/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 Petaluma 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 Petaluma
Part-time licensed practical nurses in Petaluma might find their annual earnings significantly impacted by their chosen work schedule compared to full-time colleagues. Working 24 hours a week at the median rate yields an annual income that competes favorably against full-time LPN roles, especially when considering benefits that may come with full-time employment. Per diem licensed practical nurse pay in Petaluma typically falls within a lower range of $28 to $42 per hour, while those employed through agencies at understaffed facilities can command pay rates closer to $45 or even $60 per hour. Different types of employers, from skilled nursing facilities to home health agencies, may offer varying compensation structures and benefits packages. This variance allows many LPNs to negotiate based on their personal priorities, such as accepting a lower hourly rate for a position that offers health insurance, or opting for higher pay with less stability. Professional negotiation is crucial, especially in local markets, as LPNs explore opportunities that best fit their financial and personal needs in Petaluma, CA.
More salary data for Petaluma, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Petaluma in 2026?
How much do part-time licensed practical nurses make in Petaluma?
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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 Petaluma. 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 Petaluma 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