Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Sunnyvale, CA: $103,119 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Sunnyvale, CA earns a median $103,119/year (≈ $49.57/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Sunnyvale's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $91,175 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 23.5% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sunnyvale, California, licensed practical nurses are projected to earn a median salary of $103,119 in 2026, which significantly exceeds the national median of $68,071. The salary range for LPNs in the area is diverse, spanning from $78,206 at the 10th percentile to $137,347 at the 90th percentile, demonstrating the potential for higher pay based on experience and specific roles. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost-of-living factors. The robust job market for licensed practical nurses is influenced by the demand for skilled nursing care, particularly with shift differentials and weekend premiums driving compensation in long-term care settings.
About the Sunnyvale Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,206 | $37.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $92,870 | $44.65 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $103,119 | $49.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $124,047 | $59.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $137,347 | $66.03 |
Median Salary Position
51.49% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sunnyvale
In Sunnyvale, CA, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $59,141 (2026 est.). At $103,119, the local median is 51.49% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Sunnyvale: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Sunnyvale Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Sunnyvale median: $103,119/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Sunnyvale Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $83,497 | +23.50% more |
| National Average | $68,071 | +51.49% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Sunnyvale, CA earn a median of $103,119 per year (2026 est.), which is 51.49% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 23.50% above the California state average of $83,497.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Sunnyvale has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Sunnyvale, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $103,119 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $91,175 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$71,926
2025 BLS Actual
$97,558
2026 Current Est.
$103,119
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Sunnyvale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,926 | Actual |
| 2020 | $73,956 | Actual |
| 2021 | $72,820 | Actual |
| 2022 | $82,743 | Actual |
| 2023 | $90,484 | Actual |
| 2024 | $91,192 | Actual |
| 2025 | $97,558 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $103,119 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $108,997 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Sunnyvale metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $71,926 (2019) to $97,558 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $108,997 by 2027 — a total increase of $37,071 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sunnyvale 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) | $78,206 – $92,870 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $92,870 – $103,119 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $103,119 – $124,047 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $124,047 – $137,347 |
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 Sunnyvale
Currently, there are 26 licensed practical nurses employed in Sunnyvale, which indicates a focused job market, particularly among skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies that typically offer competitive salaries. With a cost-of-living index of 113.1, the purchasing power for LPNs can be somewhat limited compared to national averages. Employers such as skilled nursing facilities tend to offer the highest financial incentives, often providing stipends for IV therapy certification and additional pay for weekend and holiday shifts. The substantial difference between the low and high end of the salary spectrum reflects the varying demands of different healthcare settings. To maximize earning potential, LPNs in Sunnyvale should consider specializing in areas that require advanced skills and seek roles in long-term care facilities where premiums for charged LPN positions can significantly raise overall pay.
More salary data for Sunnyvale, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do licensed practical nurses make in Sunnyvale, CA in 2026?
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Can licensed practical nurses make $100K in Sunnyvale?
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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 $97,558 for licensed practical nursesin the Sunnyvale 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 Sunnyvale 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