Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Chico, CA: $83,239 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Chico, CA earns a median $83,239/year (≈ $40.02/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Chico's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 101.2), that paycheck buys what $82,254 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% below the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, licensed practical nurses in Chico, California, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $83,239. This figure is notably higher than the national median of $68,071, illustrating a 22.28% advantage in pay. The salary range for this profession in the area is expected to fall between $67,088 at the 10th percentile and $97,942 at the 90th percentile. These insights, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, reflect the impact of factors such as shift differentials and weekend premiums, which are particularly vital in long-term care settings. As the demand for skilled nursing continues to grow, opportunities for competitive compensation are readily available, making Chico a noteworthy location for those considering a career as a licensed practical nurse.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,088 | $32.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $77,045 | $37.04 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $83,239 | $40.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87,329 | $41.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97,942 | $47.09 |
Median Salary Position
22.28% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chico
In Chico, CA, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $30,854 (2026 est.). At $83,239, the local median is 22.28% above the national median of $68,071.
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At 40 hours/week in Chico: You'd be above the median
How Chico Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Chico median: $83,239/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chico Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $83,489 | -0.30% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | +22.28% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Chico, CA earn a median of $83,239 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.28% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 0.30% below the California state average of $83,489.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chico has a cost of living 1.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chico, CA has a cost-of-living index of 101.197 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $83,239 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $82,254 — a 1.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$57,490
2025 BLS Actual
$78,750
2026 Current Est.
$83,239
2019–2027 Growth
+53.0%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Chico (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,490 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,740 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,810 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,100 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,400 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,020 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,750 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,239 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,983 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chico metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 37.0% from $57,490 (2019) to $78,750 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $87,983 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,493 (53.04%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chico 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) | $67,088 – $77,045 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $77,045 – $83,239 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $83,239 – $87,329 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $87,329 – $97,942 |
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 Chico
Chico's job market currently supports about 380 licensed practical nurses, contributing to a robust employment environment. The cost of living index sits at 101.197, slightly above the national average, which can affect the purchasing power of LPN salaries in the area. Employers such as skilled nursing facilities typically offer the highest compensation, while home health agencies and physician offices tend to pay less. The disparities in salary often arise from the nature of the work environment and additional certifications, such as IV therapy, which can command higher pay. For those navigating the local landscape, exploring opportunities within long-term care or pursuing specialization could enhance earning potential. To maximize income in this market, licensed practical nurses should consider flexible scheduling, seeking positions with charge nurse responsibilities, and taking advantage of any available education stipends.
More salary data for Chico, 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 $78,750 for licensed practical nursesin the Chico 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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