Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Union City, CA: $83,701 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Union City, CA earns a median $83,701/year (≈ $40.24/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Union City's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $74,006 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.2% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in Union City, California, are expected to earn a median annual salary of $83,701, significantly higher than the national median of $68,071. This competitive pay reflects the state's specific scope-of-practice rules, which permit LPNs to administer IV therapy and carry out patient assessments. The salary range for LPNs in this area extends from $63,259 at the 10th percentile to $104,382 at the 90th percentile, showcasing the potential for substantial income variations based on experience and setting. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, considering regional price adjustments. Given Union City's market dynamics, the enhanced pay structure indicates a strong demand for LPNs, suggesting that those entering the field may find ample opportunities.
About the Union City Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,259 | $30.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $78,205 | $37.60 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $83,701 | $40.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $96,747 | $46.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $104,382 | $50.19 |
Median Salary Position
22.96% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Union City
In Union City, CA, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,123 (2026 est.). At $83,701, the local median is 22.96% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Union City: You'd be above the median
How Union City Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Union City median: $83,701/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Union City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $83,534 | +0.20% more |
| National Average | $68,071 | +22.96% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Union City, CA earn a median of $83,701 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.96% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 0.20% above the California state average of $83,534.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Union City has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Union City, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $83,701 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $74,006 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$58,382
2025 BLS Actual
$79,187
2026 Current Est.
$83,701
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Union City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,382 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,030 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,107 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,161 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,445 | Actual |
| 2024 | $88,415 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,187 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,701 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,472 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Union City metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $58,382 (2019) to $79,187 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $88,472 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,090 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Union City 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) | $63,259 – $78,205 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $78,205 – $83,701 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $83,701 – $96,747 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $96,747 – $104,382 |
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 Union City
Currently, there are 11 licensed practical nurses employed within Union City, suggesting a relatively niche market but one that is showing promising growth. The cost-of-living index of 113.1 indicates higher living expenses compared to the national average, which necessitates a strong salary to maintain purchasing power. Skilled nursing facilities typically offer the highest pay for LPN roles, followed closely by home health agencies and hospitals. Factors such as specialized certifications in IV therapy, shift differentials, and weekend or holiday premiums can result in considerable pay disparities. For those looking to maximize their earning potential in Union City, targeting employment in long-term care settings and pursuing additional certifications could yield better financial rewards, ultimately enhancing how much licensed practical nurses make in Union City, CA.
More salary data for Union City, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do licensed practical nurses make in Union City, CA in 2026?
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Can licensed practical nurses make $100K in Union City?
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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 $79,187 for licensed practical nursesin the Union City 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 Union City 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