Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Downey, CA: $84,561 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Downey, CA earns a median $84,561/year (≈ $40.65/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Downey's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $74,767 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Downey, California, the forecasted median annual salary for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) is $84,561, standing significantly above the national average of $68,071. This competitive compensation reflects the city’s structural choices in healthcare settings, where LPNs typically find employment in skilled nursing facilities, home health care, and various clinics. The salary range in Downey, spanning from $61,012 for entry-level positions to $114,492 for experienced professionals, reveals a diverse market where job settings directly impact pay. Local salary estimates derived from BLS state-level data indicate a robust demand for LPNs, which aligns with growing healthcare needs in the area. Understanding these dynamics is essential for both current LPNs and those considering this path in Downey, as they navigate potential opportunities for advancement in their careers.
About the Downey Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,012 | $29.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $77,241 | $37.13 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $84,561 | $40.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $102,830 | $49.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $114,492 | $55.05 |
Median Salary Position
24.22% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Downey
In Downey, CA, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,480 (2026 est.). At $84,561, the local median is 24.22% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Downey: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Downey Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Downey median: $84,561/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Downey Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $83,476 | +1.30% more |
| National Average | $68,071 | +24.22% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Downey, CA earn a median of $84,561 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.22% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 1.30% above the California state average of $83,476.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Downey has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Downey, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $84,561 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $74,767 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$58,982
2025 BLS Actual
$80,001
2026 Current Est.
$84,561
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Downey (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,982 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,647 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,715 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,852 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,200 | Actual |
| 2024 | $89,325 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,001 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,561 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89,381 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Downey metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $58,982 (2019) to $80,001 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $89,381 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,399 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Downey 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) | $61,012 – $77,241 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $77,241 – $84,561 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $84,561 – $102,830 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $102,830 – $114,492 |
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 Downey
The job market for licensed practical nurses in Downey is relatively strong, with 22 individuals currently employed in this capacity. However, with a cost-of-living index of 113.1, LPNs must consider how local living expenses affect their take-home pay. Employers that typically offer higher salaries include skilled nursing facilities due to their higher staffing needs compared to home health agencies and physician offices. Factors driving the wide salary range in the area include the setting of employment, with skilled nursing often paying more than home health, along with shift differentials and additional compensation for specialized certifications like IV therapy. To maximize earnings, LPNs in Downey should seek positions within long-term care environments, consider pursuing certifications, and be flexible with shifts, including weekends and holidays, which can provide better financial incentives.
More salary data for Downey, 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 $80,001 for licensed practical nursesin the Downey 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 Downey 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