Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in El Monte, CA: $85,688 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in El Monte, CA earns a median $85,688/year (≈ $41.19/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in El Monte's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $75,763 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.6% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The skilled nursing environment in El Monte, California, offers competitive compensation for licensed practical nurses, with a projected median salary of $85,688 in 2026. This pay level distinctly outpaces the national median for the same year, which stands at $68,071, highlighting the appealing financial prospects for those in the field. The local salary range is considerable, spanning from $63,964 for the bottom 10% to $112,802 for the top 90%, indicating diverse opportunities depending on experience and workplace setting. Employers, such as skilled nursing facilities and hospitals, often provide higher compensation compared to home health agencies and physician offices, illustrating the importance of the work environment in determining salary outcomes for licensed practical nurses in El Monte.
About the El Monte Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,964 | $30.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $76,398 | $36.73 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $85,688 | $41.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $102,289 | $49.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $112,802 | $54.23 |
Median Salary Position
25.88% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in El Monte
In El Monte, CA, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,838 (2026 est.). At $85,688, the local median is 25.88% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in El Monte: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How El Monte Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
El Monte median: $85,688/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | El Monte Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $83,516 | +2.60% more |
| National Average | $68,071 | +25.88% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in El Monte, CA earn a median of $85,688 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.88% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 2.60% above the California state average of $83,516.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
El Monte has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
El Monte, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $85,688 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $75,763 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$59,768
2025 BLS Actual
$81,067
2026 Current Est.
$85,688
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in El Monte (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,768 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,455 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,511 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,756 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,188 | Actual |
| 2024 | $90,515 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,067 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,688 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,572 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the El Monte metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $59,768 (2019) to $81,067 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $90,572 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,804 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the El Monte 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) | $63,964 – $76,398 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $76,398 – $85,688 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $85,688 – $102,289 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $102,289 – $112,802 |
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 El Monte
In 2026, El Monte is home to around 20 licensed practical nurses, reflecting a solid job market for this profession. However, the cost of living index for El Monte is 113.1, suggesting that the expenses of living in this California city are above the national average; consequently, take-home pay must be viewed in context with local purchasing power. Skilled nursing facilities tend to offer the most competitive pay, while home health agencies and physician offices generally pay less. The variation in pay can be attributed to factors such as the setting in which LPNs work—where skilled nursing often provides higher wages—and special premiums for evening, weekend, or holiday shifts. To maximize earning potential, licensed practical nurses in El Monte might focus on acquiring IV therapy certification, seeking roles in higher-paying sectors, or pursuing additional responsibilities that could elevate their charge pay. Understanding the local employment dynamics can significantly enhance strategic choices in careers for LPNs.
More salary data for El Monte, 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 $81,067 for licensed practical nursesin the El Monte 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 El Monte 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