Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Petaluma, CA: $96,922 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Petaluma, CA earns a median $96,922/year (≈ $46.59/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Petaluma's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $85,696 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 16.1% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, licensed practical nurses in Petaluma, California can expect a median annual salary of $96,922, significantly higher than the national figure of $68,071. The salary range for LPNs locally is estimated to span from $77,606 at the 10th percentile to $126,314 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse opportunities present in settings such as skilled nursing facilities, home health care agencies, and clinics. These figures are derived from state-level data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), adjusted for regional cost variations. The choice between working in long-term care or home health can directly influence earnings potential, making Petaluma’s job market particularly attractive to nursing professionals considering where to establish their careers.
About the Petaluma Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,606 | $37.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $90,129 | $43.33 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $96,922 | $46.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $115,294 | $55.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $126,314 | $60.72 |
Median Salary Position
42.38% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Petaluma
In Petaluma, CA, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,708 (2026 est.). At $96,922, the local median is 42.38% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Petaluma: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Petaluma Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Petaluma median: $96,922/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Petaluma Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $83,481 | +16.10% more |
| National Average | $68,071 | +42.38% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Petaluma, CA earn a median of $96,922 per year (2026 est.), which is 42.38% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 16.10% above the California state average of $83,481.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Petaluma has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Petaluma, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $96,922 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $85,696 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$67,604
2025 BLS Actual
$91,695
2026 Current Est.
$96,922
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Petaluma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,604 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,512 | Actual |
| 2021 | $68,444 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,770 | Actual |
| 2023 | $85,046 | Actual |
| 2024 | $86,501 | Actual |
| 2025 | $91,695 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $96,922 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $102,446 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Petaluma metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $67,604 (2019) to $91,695 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $102,446 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,842 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Petaluma 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) | $77,606 – $90,129 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $90,129 – $96,922 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $96,922 – $115,294 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $115,294 – $126,314 |
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 Petaluma
Currently, there are 12 licensed practical nurses employed in Petaluma, indicating a modest but stable job market for this profession. With a cost-of-living index of 113.1, the financial implications mean that while salaries are competitive, the actual purchasing power could be impacted by local expenses. Skilled nursing facilities tend to offer the highest compensation among employers in the area, a factor that may be driven by the increased responsibilities and certifications required in such roles. Factors like shift differentials, weekend and holiday premiums, as well as special stipends for IV therapy certifications, contribute to the substantial pay variations seen in this market. For those looking to maximize their pay, pursuing positions in long-term care and obtaining specialized skills will be advantageous in a city like Petaluma, CA.
More salary data for Petaluma, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do licensed practical nurses make in Petaluma, CA in 2026?
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Can licensed practical nurses make $100K in Petaluma?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted licensed practical nurse salary in Petaluma?
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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 $91,695 for licensed practical nursesin the Petaluma 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 Petaluma 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