Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Buena Park, CA: $84,574 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Buena Park, CA earns a median $84,574/year (≈ $40.66/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Buena Park's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $74,778 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Buena Park, California, the projected median annual salary for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) is set at $84,574 for 2026, significantly above the national median of $68,071. This discrepancy can be attributed to the state's broader scope of practice rules that empower LPNs with responsibilities such as IV therapy and patient assessments, which command higher pay rates. The salary range for LPNs in the area spans from $65,348 at the 10th percentile to $107,257 at the 90th percentile, offering a favorable earning potential for those within this profession. Estimates derived from BLS state-level data and BEA Regional Price Parities reveal that LPNs in Buena Park are well-positioned in the job market, benefiting from increased demand in healthcare settings where their skills are critical.
About the Buena Park Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,348 | $31.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $76,869 | $36.95 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $84,574 | $40.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $98,828 | $47.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $107,257 | $51.57 |
Median Salary Position
24.24% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Buena Park
In Buena Park, CA, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,909 (2026 est.). At $84,574, the local median is 24.24% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Buena Park: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Buena Park Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Buena Park median: $84,574/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Buena Park Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $83,488 | +1.30% more |
| National Average | $68,071 | +24.24% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Buena Park, CA earn a median of $84,574 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.24% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 1.30% above the California state average of $83,488.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Buena Park has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Buena Park, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $84,574 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $74,778 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$58,991
2025 BLS Actual
$80,013
2026 Current Est.
$84,574
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Buena Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,991 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,656 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,724 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,862 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,211 | Actual |
| 2024 | $89,338 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,013 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,574 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89,394 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Buena Park metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $58,991 (2019) to $80,013 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $89,394 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,403 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Buena Park 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $65,348 – $76,869 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $76,869 – $84,574 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $84,574 – $98,828 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $98,828 – $107,257 |
LPN salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual licensed practical nurse compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Licensed Practical Nurse Job Market in Buena Park
The local employment numbers reflect a compact but specialized LPN workforce, with 20 practicing nurses in Buena Park. The cost of living index stands at 113.1, indicating that living expenses in the area are above the national average, which may influence salary negotiations and overall purchasing power. Employers offering the highest wages typically include skilled nursing facilities and hospitals, where the complexity of care justifies higher pay. Factors contributing to the pay spread range from varying care settings, with skilled nursing roles generally commanding more than home health positions, to additional compensation for LPNs with IV therapy certifications. To optimize earnings, LPNs in Buena Park should consider seeking employment in high-demand facilities, pursuing further education such as bridge programs to RN, and taking advantage of shift differentials and weekend/holiday premiums that can enhance their overall compensation.
More salary data for Buena Park, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $80,013 for licensed practical nursesin the Buena Park metropolitan area. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Buena Park 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