Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in South Gate, CA: $82,265 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in South Gate, CA earns a median $82,265/year (≈ $39.55/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in South Gate's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $72,737 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, licensed practical nurses in South Gate, California, can expect a median annual salary of $82,265, which reflects the competitive landscape for nursing professionals in this region. This figure is notably above the national median for LPNs, set at $68,071 for the same year. Local earnings range from $66,134 at the 10th percentile to $107,963 at the 90th percentile, illustrating the opportunities for salary growth in the area. With California's extensive LPN scope-of-practice rules, including competencies in IV therapy and patient assessment, LPNs have the potential to command higher compensation, especially in settings that offer specialized care. As the job market evolves, South Gate's LPNs will be well-positioned to benefit from these trends.
About the South Gate Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,134 | $31.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $75,150 | $36.13 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $82,265 | $39.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $98,311 | $47.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $107,963 | $51.91 |
Median Salary Position
20.85% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in South Gate
In South Gate, CA, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,829 (2026 est.). At $82,265, the local median is 20.85% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in South Gate: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How South Gate Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
South Gate median: $82,265/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | South Gate Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $83,518 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | +20.85% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in South Gate, CA earn a median of $82,265 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.85% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 1.50% below the California state average of $83,518.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
South Gate has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
South Gate, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $82,265 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $72,737 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$57,381
2025 BLS Actual
$77,829
2026 Current Est.
$82,265
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in South Gate (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,381 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,000 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,094 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,010 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,185 | Actual |
| 2024 | $86,899 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,829 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,265 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86,954 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the South Gate metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $57,381 (2019) to $77,829 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $86,954 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,573 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Gate 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) | $66,134 – $75,150 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $75,150 – $82,265 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $82,265 – $98,311 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $98,311 – $107,963 |
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 South Gate
The job market in South Gate currently employs 25 licensed practical nurses, which indicates a stable demand for their skills. The cost of living index for the area is 113.1, which signifies that expenses are somewhat higher than the national average, potentially impacting take-home pay. Skilled nursing facilities and long-term care settings tend to offer some of the highest pay rates for LPNs, while home health agencies and physician offices generally provide lower compensation. Factors such as shift differentials, weekend or holiday premiums, and additional certifications can significantly influence expected earnings. For LPNs looking to maximize their pay in South Gate, pursuing certifications like IV therapy and seeking employment in skilled nursing facilities can be effective strategies, particularly given that long-term care employs a significant portion of the local nursing workforce.
More salary data for South Gate, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do licensed practical nurses make in South Gate, CA in 2026?
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Can licensed practical nurses make $100K in South Gate?
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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 $77,829 for licensed practical nursesin the South Gate 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 South Gate 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