Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Santa Cruz, CA: $85,617 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Santa Cruz, CA earns a median $85,617/year (≈ $41.16/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Santa Cruz's price level (10% above national, BEA RPP 109.9), that paycheck buys what $77,907 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% above the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, licensed practical nurses in Santa Cruz, California, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $85,617, which is notably higher than the national median of $68,071, illustrating a competitive local market for this vital healthcare role. The salary range for these professionals is expected to extend from $68,187 at the 10th percentile to $107,624 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse opportunities available in various healthcare settings. This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys, highlights the effect of shift differentials and weekend premiums that can significantly boost overall earnings for long-term care professionals. As the demand for skilled nursing care continues to rise, the Santa Cruz job market remains favorable for licensed practical nurses seeking rewarding compensation and career growth.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,187 | $32.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $80,903 | $38.90 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $85,617 | $41.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $102,487 | $49.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $107,624 | $51.74 |
Median Salary Position
25.78% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Santa Cruz
In Santa Cruz, CA, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,437 (2026 est.). At $85,617, the local median is 25.78% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Santa Cruz: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Santa Cruz Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Santa Cruz median: $85,617/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Santa Cruz Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $83,529 | +2.50% more |
| National Average | $68,071 | +25.78% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Santa Cruz, CA earn a median of $85,617 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.78% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 2.50% above the California state average of $83,529.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Santa Cruz has a cost of living 9.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Santa Cruz, CA has a cost-of-living index of 109.896 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $85,617 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $77,907 — a 9.01% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$63,880
2025 BLS Actual
$81,000
2026 Current Est.
$85,617
2019–2027 Growth
+41.7%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Santa Cruz (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,880 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,900 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,100 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,780 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,130 | Actual |
| 2024 | $79,580 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,000 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,617 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,497 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Santa Cruz metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 26.8% from $63,880 (2019) to $81,000 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $90,497 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,617 (41.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Santa Cruz 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) | $68,187 – $80,903 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $80,903 – $85,617 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $85,617 – $102,487 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $102,487 – $107,624 |
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 Santa Cruz
The healthcare job market in Santa Cruz employs approximately 340 licensed practical nurses, providing a stable environment for those considering a career in practical nursing. With a cost-of-living index of 109.896, it's essential to acknowledge how this may impact purchasing power for LPNs in the area. Skilled nursing facilities tend to offer the most competitive pay, while home health agencies and physician offices generally provide lower salaries. Factors contributing to the pay gap include shift differentials, IV therapy certification stipends, and additional compensation for charge LPN roles, especially during weekends and holidays in long-term care settings. For those looking to maximize their earnings, pursuing certifications that enhance their skill set and seeking positions in higher-paying environments will prove beneficial in navigating the competitive landscape of licensed practical nurse pay in Santa Cruz, CA.
More salary data for Santa Cruz, 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 $81,000 for licensed practical nursesin the Santa Cruz 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