Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Fontana, CA: $86,848 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Fontana, CA earns a median $86,848/year (≈ $41.75/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Fontana's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $76,789 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.0% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fontana, California, the 2026 median annual salary for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) is expected to reach $86,848, significantly surpassing the national median of $68,071 by 27.58%. Local estimates indicate a salary range from $62,068 to $116,263, reflecting variations in experience and setting. This noteworthy compensation is influenced by the state’s favorable scope-of-practice rules, including IV therapy and assessment capabilities that augment LPN responsibilities. Given that licensed practical nursing plays a vital role in various healthcare sectors, Fontana's job market remains robust, creating opportunities for nurses to thrive in their careers.
About the Fontana Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,068 | $29.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $75,683 | $36.38 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $86,848 | $41.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $104,556 | $50.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $116,263 | $55.89 |
Median Salary Position
27.58% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fontana
In Fontana, CA, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $54,195 (2026 est.). At $86,848, the local median is 27.58% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fontana: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fontana Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Fontana median: $86,848/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fontana Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $83,508 | +4.00% more |
| National Average | $68,071 | +27.58% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Fontana, CA earn a median of $86,848 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.58% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 4.00% above the California state average of $83,508.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fontana has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fontana, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $86,848 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $76,789 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,578
2025 BLS Actual
$82,165
2026 Current Est.
$86,848
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Fontana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,578 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,287 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,330 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,687 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,207 | Actual |
| 2024 | $91,740 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,165 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,848 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $91,799 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fontana metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $60,578 (2019) to $82,165 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $91,799 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,221 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fontana 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) | $62,068 – $75,683 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $75,683 – $86,848 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $86,848 – $104,556 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $104,556 – $116,263 |
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 Fontana
Currently employing 32 licensed practical nurses, Fontana presents a competitive local job market for healthcare professionals. However, the cost of living index at 113.1 means that while salaries may seem relatively high, take-home purchasing power is impacted. Long-term care settings generally offer the highest pay, particularly skilled nursing facilities, while home health agencies and physician offices typically provide lower compensation. Factors contributing to the pay disparity include work setting, shift differentials, and additional stipends for IV therapy certification. To maximize earnings within the Fontana market, LPNs should consider pursuing additional certifications, such as IV therapy, or seeking positions in long-term care environments known for offering weekend and holiday premiums.
More salary data for Fontana, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do licensed practical nurses make in Fontana, CA in 2026?
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Can licensed practical nurses make $100K in Fontana?
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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 $82,165 for licensed practical nursesin the Fontana 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 Fontana 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