Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Carson, CA: $81,849 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Carson, CA earns a median $81,849/year (≈ $39.35/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Carson's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $72,369 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $81,849 for licensed practical nurses by 2026, Carson, CA, offers competitive compensation that significantly exceeds the national average of $68,071. Salary ranges from $65,475 at the 10th percentile to $109,577 at the 90th percentile, highlighting the diverse opportunities within the local job market. These figures are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and adjusted for regional cost of living. Shift differentials and weekend premiums serve as additional incentives, particularly in long-term care environments, making Carson an appealing location for LPNs seeking to enhance their earning potential.
About the Carson Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,475 | $31.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $76,066 | $36.57 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $81,849 | $39.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $94,198 | $45.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109,577 | $52.68 |
Median Salary Position
20.24% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Carson
In Carson, CA, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,102 (2026 est.). At $81,849, the local median is 20.24% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Carson: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Carson Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Carson median: $81,849/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Carson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $83,519 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | +20.24% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Carson, CA earn a median of $81,849 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.24% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 2.00% below the California state average of $83,519.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Carson has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Carson, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $81,849 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $72,369 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$57,090
2025 BLS Actual
$77,435
2026 Current Est.
$81,849
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Carson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,090 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,702 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,800 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,675 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,820 | Actual |
| 2024 | $86,459 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,435 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,849 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86,514 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Carson metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $57,090 (2019) to $77,435 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $86,514 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,424 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Carson 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) | $65,475 – $76,066 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $76,066 – $81,849 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $81,849 – $94,198 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $94,198 – $109,577 |
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 Carson
As of now, the job market in Carson employs a modest number of licensed practical nurses, with just 21 positions reported. The higher cost of living index of 113.1 implies that while salaries may sound attractive, the take-home purchasing power could be impacted. Skilled nursing facilities typically offer the highest pay for LPNs, followed by positions in home health agencies and physician offices. Understanding the factors affecting salary variation, from shift differentials and certifications, such as IV therapy, to weekend and holiday premiums, can be crucial for maximizing earnings. For those looking to navigate this competitive market effectively, actively seeking positions in skilled nursing facilities or obtaining specialized certifications could lead to greater financial rewards.
More salary data for Carson, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 $77,435 for licensed practical nursesin the Carson 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 Carson 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