Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in San Diego, CA: $40.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in San Diego, CA runs $40.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $84,264 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against San Diego's regional price level (BEA RPP 111.9, 12% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,562 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in San Diego, CA, can expect a median hourly rate of $40.51, well above the national median of $32.73. This elevated hourly pay reflects the region's high cost of living index and can significantly impact part-time and per-diem workers. For those working three days a week, this means a robust paycheck that can lead to approximately $63,000 annually, providing them with financial security even in a part-time role. The hourly pay range for LPNs in the area extends from $33.01 for entry-level positions to $48.98 for experienced professionals, showcasing the potential for growth within this essential healthcare role. These figures are derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics projections based on 2025 data, indicating the promising earning potential of licensed practical nursing in the San Diego area.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.01 | $264.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.34 | $306.70 |
| Median (P50) | $40.51 | $324.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.25 | $362.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.98 | $391.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Diego
Based on $40.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.51/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Diego, CA can expect to earn approximately $84,271 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,618. With a cost-of-living index of 111.89 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Diego.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Diego
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,620.59 | $7,023 | $84,271 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $972.36 | $4,214 | $50,562 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $648.24 | $2,809 | $33,708 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (San Diego) | $40.51 |
| 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 San Diego, CA earn a median of $84,264 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.79% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 0.90% above the California state average of $83,512.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.51/hr = $50,562/year (purchasing power: $45,191).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $84,271/year (purchasing power: $75,318).
CoL index: 111.887 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.72/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+44.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in San Diego (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.72/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.31/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.65/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.82/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in San Diego grew 29.0% from $29.72/hr (2019) to $38.33/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.82/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 San Diego 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 San Diego
When considering the earning potential as a licensed practical nurse in San Diego, part-time LPNs working 24 hours a week can earn significantly less annually than their full-time counterparts, but their flexibility allows them to balance work with education or personal commitments. For those seeking even more variety, per diem jobs can vary widely, with pay for per diem licensed practical nurses generally ranging from $28 to $42 an hour, depending on the facility's needs. Agency and travel positions may offer rates higher, often between $45 to $60 an hour, particularly in high-demand settings. Hourly rates can vary not only by employer—such as skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, or hospitals—but also based on the benefits package offered. Some LPNs may prefer lower hourly wages that include health insurance over higher rates with no benefits. When negotiating hourly pay in San Diego, licensed practical nurses should highlight their specialized skills and the demand for competent caregivers, particularly in diverse healthcare environments across the region.
More salary data for San Diego, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in San Diego in 2026?
How much do part-time licensed practical nurses make in San Diego?
Are licensed practical nurses in San Diego paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time licensed practical nurse make per year in San Diego?
Do licensed practical nurses earn more per hour working part-time in San Diego?
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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 San Diego. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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