Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Vista, CA: $41.17 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Vista, CA runs $41.17 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,641 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Vista's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,380 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Vista, California, licensed practical nurses earn a median hourly wage of $41.17, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $32.73. This advantageous rate reflects the local demand for skilled nursing in settings such as skilled nursing facilities, home health visits, and various healthcare environments, allowing part-time workers—typically engaged three days a week—to profit substantially. With wages ranging from $30.70 for entry-level positions to over $54 for experienced top earners, the hourly pay for licensed practical nurses in Vista is compelling. These estimates derive from annual salary data, translating into hourly compensation that underscores the financial viability of this career path.
About the Vista 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) | $30.70 | $245.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.68 | $293.42 |
| Median (P50) | $41.17 | $329.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.18 | $393.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.04 | $432.36 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Vista
Based on $41.17/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.17/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Vista, CA can expect to earn approximately $85,634 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,404. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Vista.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Vista
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,646.81 | $7,136 | $85,634 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $988.08 | $4,282 | $51,380 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $658.72 | $2,854 | $34,254 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Vista) | $41.17 |
| 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 Vista, CA earn a median of $85,641 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.81% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 2.50% above the California state average of $83,552.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.17/hr = $51,380/year (purchasing power: $45,429).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $85,634/year (purchasing power: $75,715).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.72/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.17/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Vista (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.72/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.53/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.07/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.49/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.17/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Vista grew 35.6% from $28.72/hr (2019) to $38.95/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.52/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 Vista 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 Vista
For those considering a part-time schedule, a licensed practical nurse working 24 hours a week can potentially earn a substantial income, though it will be less than a full-time employee. Per diem licensed practical nurse pay in Vista typically ranges between $28 to $42 per hour, with agency LPNs earning even higher rates—upwards of $45 to $60 per hour—especially in understaffed nursing facilities. The variability in hourly rates depends largely on the employer type, with skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, hospitals, and assisted living communities offering differing financial packages. Some LPNs may choose positions offering lower hourly pay for the benefit of employment perks such as health insurance, while others opt for higher hourly wages without benefits. For those in negotiating scenarios, being informed about local compensation averages can enhance discussions, ensuring fair pay in alignment with Vista’s cost of living index, which is notably above the national average.
More salary data for Vista, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Vista in 2026?
How much do part-time licensed practical nurses make in Vista?
Are licensed practical nurses in Vista paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time licensed practical nurse make per year in Vista?
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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 Vista. 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 Vista 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