Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Sunnyvale, CA: $49.57 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Sunnyvale, CA runs $49.57 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $103,119 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Sunnyvale's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $43.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,867 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a median hourly pay of $49.57, licensed practical nurses in Sunnyvale, California, earn significantly more than the national median of $32.73 per hour, reflecting both the region's living costs and demand for health services. This competitive hourly rate creates appealing opportunities for part-time and per-diem positions across various healthcare settings, such as skilled nursing facilities, home health visits, and assisted living environments. For those working three days a week, the flexibility allows LPNs to balance work and personal commitments while still earning substantial income within an hourly range that spans from $37.60 for entry-level roles to $66.03 for more experienced staff. These figures underscore the favorable financial outlook for licensed practical nurse hourly pay in Sunnyvale, especially compared to broader trends across California.
About the Sunnyvale 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) | $37.60 | $300.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.65 | $357.18 |
| Median (P50) | $49.57 | $396.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59.64 | $477.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66.03 | $528.25 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sunnyvale
Based on $49.57/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.57/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sunnyvale, CA can expect to earn approximately $103,112 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,488. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Sunnyvale.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sunnyvale
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,982.93 | $8,593 | $103,112 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,189.76 | $5,156 | $61,867 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $793.17 | $3,437 | $41,245 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Sunnyvale) | $49.57 |
| 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 Sunnyvale, CA earn a median of $103,119 per year (2026 est.), which is 51.49% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 23.50% above the California state average of $83,497.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.57/hr = $61,867/year (purchasing power: $54,702).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $103,112/year (purchasing power: $91,169).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$34.58/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.57/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Sunnyvale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.58/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.55/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.01/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.78/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.57/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Sunnyvale grew 35.6% from $34.58/hr (2019) to $46.90/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.40/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 Sunnyvale 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 Sunnyvale
A licensed practical nurse working part-time at thirty-two hours a week would bring home a substantial paycheck compared to full-time counterparts, thanks to Sunnyvale's advantageous hourly rates. Per diem licensed practical nurse pay in this region varies widely; while agency nurses might earn between $45 and $60 per hour in understaffed facilities, those on per diem contracts often see rates ranging from $28 to $42. Employers, such as skilled nursing facilities and hospitals, typically offer different pay scales based on the complexity of care required. Many LPNs find themselves weighing the trade-off between hourly wages and health benefits, often opting for positions that provide stable employment and insurance, even if that means accepting slightly lower hourly compensation. When negotiating, offering evidence of local standard rates can strengthen a candidate’s position, making it easier to secure favorable terms in the vibrant healthcare market of Sunnyvale.
More salary data for Sunnyvale, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Sunnyvale in 2026?
How much do part-time licensed practical nurses make in Sunnyvale?
Are licensed practical nurses in Sunnyvale paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time licensed practical nurse make per year in Sunnyvale?
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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 Sunnyvale. 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 Sunnyvale 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