Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Tulare, CA: $84,375 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Tulare, CA earns a median $84,375/year (≈ $40.57/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Tulare's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $74,602 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tulare, California, licensed practical nurses can expect a median annual salary of $84,375 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $68,071. Salaries for LPNs in this region demonstrate a wide range, with the lowest earners making $64,785 and the highest reaching up to $106,385. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data and adjusted for local economic conditions, reflect the diverse employment settings for LPNs, which include skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, and physician offices. As the demand for healthcare professionals grows, especially in long-term care and rehabilitation settings, wages are increasingly competitive, making Tulare an advantageous locale for licensed practical nurses seeking to advance their careers and incomes.
About the Tulare Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,785 | $31.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $76,445 | $36.75 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $84,375 | $40.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $98,417 | $47.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106,385 | $51.15 |
Median Salary Position
23.95% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tulare
In Tulare, CA, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,600 (2026 est.). At $84,375, the local median is 23.95% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Tulare: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Tulare Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Tulare median: $84,375/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tulare Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $83,540 | +1.00% more |
| National Average | $68,071 | +23.95% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Tulare, CA earn a median of $84,375 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.95% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 1.00% above the California state average of $83,540.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tulare has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Tulare, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $84,375 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $74,602 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$58,852
2025 BLS Actual
$79,825
2026 Current Est.
$84,375
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Tulare (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,852 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,513 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,584 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,703 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,036 | Actual |
| 2024 | $89,128 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,825 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,375 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89,184 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tulare metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $58,852 (2019) to $79,825 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $89,184 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,332 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tulare 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) | $64,785 – $76,445 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $76,445 – $84,375 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $84,375 – $98,417 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $98,417 – $106,385 |
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 Tulare
Analyzing the local job market reveals that Tulare employs 17 licensed practical nurses, underscoring a robust need in this healthcare hub. However, with a cost-of-living index of 113.1, which exceeds the national average, LPNs must consider their purchasing power carefully. Skilled nursing facilities tend to offer the highest compensation, particularly through bonuses for shift differentials and certifications, whereas home health agencies typically present lower pay scales. The variation in salaries can also be attributed to factors such as weekend and holiday premiums, as well as the demand for specialties like IV therapy. To maximize earning potential, LPNs in Tulare should continuously seek additional training, apply for positions in high-demand settings, and consider roles that offer incentives for flexible scheduling.
More salary data for Tulare, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do licensed practical nurses make in Tulare, CA in 2026?
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Can licensed practical nurses make $100K in Tulare?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted licensed practical nurse salary in Tulare?
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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 $79,825 for licensed practical nursesin the Tulare 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 Tulare 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