Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in San Marcos, CA: $40.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in San Marcos, CA runs $40.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,502 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against San Marcos's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,101 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In San Marcos, California, the licensed practical nurse hourly pay is projected to reach $40.14 in 2026, significantly higher than the national average hourly median of $32.73. This competitive rate makes the profession appealing to part-time and per-diem workers, who can find opportunities in various settings, including skilled nursing facilities, home health visits, and hospice care. For those considering part-time work at three days a week, the hourly compensation allows for a comfortable standard of living. The range for licensed practical nurses spans from $30.02 for entry-level positions to $53.89 for experienced practitioners, reflecting the growing demand for skilled nursing care in the region.
About the San Marcos 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) | $30.02 | $240.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.86 | $286.91 |
| Median (P50) | $40.14 | $321.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.16 | $377.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.89 | $431.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Marcos
Based on $40.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.14/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Marcos, CA can expect to earn approximately $83,501 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,174. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Marcos.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Marcos
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,605.79 | $6,958 | $83,501 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $963.48 | $4,175 | $50,101 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $642.32 | $2,783 | $33,401 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (San Marcos) | $40.14 |
| 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 Marcos, CA earn a median of $83,502 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.67% higher than the national median of $68,071.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.14/hr = $50,101/year (purchasing power: $44,298).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,501/year (purchasing power: $73,830).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in San Marcos (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.79/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.21/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.23/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.41/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in San Marcos grew 35.6% from $28.00/hr (2019) to $37.98/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.43/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 Marcos 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 Marcos
For part-time licensed practical nurses working 24 hours a week, the annual income would be modest compared to full-time roles, signaling a trade-off that many must consider. Per diem licensed practical nurses often command varying pay rates, with typical billing rates between $28 and $42 per hour, while agency LPNs may earn even more, reaching $45 to $60 per hour, particularly in urgent staffing situations. Differences in hourly rates are evident across employer types in San Marcos, with private home health agencies and skilled nursing facilities typically offering different pay scales. Some LPNs choose lower-paying positions with benefits that can greatly affect overall compensation versus seeking higher hourly rates without benefits. Negotiating for better pay is essential; understanding local market trends in licensed practical nurse hourly rate CA can empower professionals to secure fair compensation reflective of their skills and contributions.
More salary data for San Marcos, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in San Marcos in 2026?
How much do part-time licensed practical nurses make in San Marcos?
Are licensed practical nurses in San Marcos paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time licensed practical nurse make per year in San Marcos?
Do licensed practical nurses earn more per hour working part-time in San Marcos?
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 San Marcos. 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 San Marcos 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