Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Modesto, CA: $82,657 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Modesto, CA earns a median $82,657/year (≈ $39.73/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Modesto's price level (4% above national, BEA RPP 104.1), that paycheck buys what $79,395 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% below the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Modesto, CA, licensed practical nurses are projected to earn a median annual salary of $82,657 in 2026, notably higher than the national median of $68,071. The salary spectrum ranges from $65,471 at the 10th percentile to $108,691 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a robust local demand for skilled nursing professionals across various settings. This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys, signifies the competitive nature of LPN pay in Modesto, supported by a diverse employment backdrop that includes skilled nursing facilities, home health, and clinics. As the healthcare landscape evolves, those considering this career in Modesto can find viable pathways for advancement and specialized roles.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,471 | $31.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $73,144 | $35.17 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $82,657 | $39.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $93,090 | $44.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $108,691 | $52.26 |
Median Salary Position
21.43% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Modesto
In Modesto, CA, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $43,220 (2026 est.). At $82,657, the local median is 21.43% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Modesto: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Modesto Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Modesto median: $82,657/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Modesto Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $83,492 | -1.00% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | +21.43% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Modesto, CA earn a median of $82,657 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.43% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 1.00% below the California state average of $83,492.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Modesto has a cost of living 4.11% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Modesto, CA has a cost-of-living index of 104.108 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $82,657 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $79,395 — a 3.95% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$56,680
2025 BLS Actual
$78,200
2026 Current Est.
$82,657
2019–2027 Growth
+54.1%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Modesto (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,680 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,680 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,160 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,370 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,600 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,800 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,200 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,657 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,369 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Modesto metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 38.0% from $56,680 (2019) to $78,200 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $87,369 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,689 (54.14%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Modesto 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) | $65,471 – $73,144 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $73,144 – $82,657 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $82,657 – $93,090 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $93,090 – $108,691 |
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 Modesto
With 1,120 licensed practical nurses currently employed in Modesto, the local job market remains strong, particularly in light of the area's cost-of-living index of 104.108. This figure indicates that while salaries for LPNs may be above the national median, the increased living expenses can impact take-home pay. Skilled nursing facilities typically offer the highest compensation compared to home health agencies and physician offices. Factors such as shift differentials, IV therapy certification stipends, and additional pay for weekends and holidays play significant roles in determining earnings. To maximize their salary potential in Modesto, LPNs should consider pursuing certifications, obtaining specialized training, and seeking opportunities in long-term care environments, which tend to be more lucrative. Understanding local employment trends and salary structures is crucial for making informed decisions in this career.
More salary data for Modesto, 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 $78,200 for licensed practical nursesin the Modesto 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