Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Fullerton, CA: $85,789 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Fullerton, CA earns a median $85,789/year (≈ $41.24/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Fullerton's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $75,852 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.7% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, licensed practical nurse salaries in Fullerton, California, are projected to reach a median annual salary of $85,789, significantly higher than the national median of $68,071. Ranging from $63,858 at the 10th percentile to $113,146 at the 90th percentile, these figures reflect the competitive local market for LPNs, influenced by shift differentials and weekend premiums commonly offered in long-term care settings. The data presented here is derived from BLS state-level estimates and adjusted for regional cost of living, making it particularly relevant for those considering a career in practical nursing within Fullerton. The emphasis on long-term care facilities creates robust opportunities for LPNs, especially as the demand for their skills continues to grow.
About the Fullerton Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,858 | $30.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $76,610 | $36.84 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $85,789 | $41.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $102,535 | $49.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $113,146 | $54.39 |
Median Salary Position
26.03% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fullerton
In Fullerton, CA, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,288 (2026 est.). At $85,789, the local median is 26.03% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fullerton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fullerton Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Fullerton median: $85,789/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fullerton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $83,534 | +2.70% more |
| National Average | $68,071 | +26.03% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Fullerton, CA earn a median of $85,789 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.03% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 2.70% above the California state average of $83,534.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fullerton has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fullerton, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $85,789 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $75,852 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$59,839
2025 BLS Actual
$81,163
2026 Current Est.
$85,789
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Fullerton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,839 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,528 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,582 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,837 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,277 | Actual |
| 2024 | $90,622 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,163 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,789 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,679 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fullerton metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $59,839 (2019) to $81,163 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $90,679 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,840 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fullerton 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) | $63,858 – $76,610 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $76,610 – $85,789 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $85,789 – $102,535 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $102,535 – $113,146 |
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 Fullerton
For those entering the profession in Fullerton, the local job market employs approximately 25 licensed practical nurses, indicating a tight-knit community likely influenced by the area's cost of living index of 113.1, which is above the national average. This factor can affect the purchasing power of LPN salaries, making it essential for prospective nurses to seek out positions that pay competitively. Skilled nursing facilities typically offer the best salaries, often supplemented by additional incentives, such as stipends for IV therapy certification and premium pay for shifts during weekends and holidays. To maximize earning potential, LPNs should consider pursuing specialized training and certifications while being strategic about employment choices, as the pay scale tends to favor long-term care positions over home health or physician offices.
More salary data for Fullerton, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can licensed practical nurses make $100K in Fullerton?
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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 $81,163 for licensed practical nursesin the Fullerton 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 Fullerton 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