Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Pasadena, CA: $84,156 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Pasadena, CA earns a median $84,156/year (≈ $40.46/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Pasadena's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $74,408 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pasadena, California, licensed practical nurses are projected to earn a median annual salary of $84,156 in 2026, significantly above the national median of $68,071. The salary range for these healthcare professionals varies widely, with entry-level wages starting around $64,617 and experienced LPNs earning up to $112,900 annually. This robust compensation is shaped partly by the state’s expanded scope of practice for LPNs, which includes responsibilities such as IV therapy and patient assessments. These factors contribute to a competitive local market, reflecting the demand for skilled nursing care in Pasadena and highlighting the essential role LPNs play in healthcare settings.
About the Pasadena Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,617 | $31.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $76,392 | $36.73 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $84,156 | $40.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $101,978 | $49.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $112,900 | $54.28 |
Median Salary Position
23.63% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pasadena
In Pasadena, CA, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,283 (2026 est.). At $84,156, the local median is 23.63% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pasadena: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pasadena Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Pasadena median: $84,156/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pasadena Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $83,488 | +0.80% more |
| National Average | $68,071 | +23.63% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Pasadena, CA earn a median of $84,156 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.63% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 0.80% above the California state average of $83,488.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pasadena has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pasadena, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $84,156 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $74,408 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$58,700
2025 BLS Actual
$79,618
2026 Current Est.
$84,156
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Pasadena (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,700 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,356 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,429 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,527 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,844 | Actual |
| 2024 | $88,897 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,618 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,156 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,953 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pasadena metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $58,700 (2019) to $79,618 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $88,953 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,253 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pasadena 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) | $64,617 – $76,392 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $76,392 – $84,156 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $84,156 – $101,978 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $101,978 – $112,900 |
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 Pasadena
In terms of the local job market, there are currently 35 licensed practical nurses employed in Pasadena, CA. Although the cost of living index stands at 113.1—indicating that expenses are higher than the national average—the earning potential remains favorable for LPNs. Key employers in the area offering the highest pay typically include skilled nursing facilities and long-term care centers. Variables such as work setting and available certifications, like IV therapy, often influence salary disparities. Additionally, shift differentials, including premiums for weekends or holidays, can significantly enhance take-home pay. For those looking to maximize their income in Pasadena, pursuing certifications, seeking positions in high-demand facilities, and considering shifts during off-peak hours are effective strategies to boost earning potential in this competitive environment.
More salary data for Pasadena, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do licensed practical nurses make in Pasadena, CA in 2026?
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Can licensed practical nurses make $100K in Pasadena?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted licensed practical nurse salary in Pasadena?
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Related Pages
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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 $79,618 for licensed practical nursesin the Pasadena 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 Pasadena 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