Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Salary in California

$36,186 $117,433
10th pct Median: $68,275 90th pct
Percentile Annual Salary
10th (Entry Level)$36,186
25th Percentile$49,158
50th (Median)$68,275
75th Percentile$94,219
90th (Top Earners)$117,433
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, May 2024

Cost of Living Adjusted Salary

The California median salary of $68,275 for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses has the purchasing power of approximately $45,547 in Missouri (the COL baseline state with index 100).

California's higher cost of living (COL index: 149.9) reduces the real purchasing power of wages compared to lower-cost states.

COL data: MERIC 2024 State Cost of Living Index. Missouri = 100 baseline.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses make in California?
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in California earn a median annual salary of $68,275 per year ($32.82/hr) according to BLS OEWS data (May 2024). This is above the national median of $54,620.
Is California a good state for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
California pays above the national average for licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses, making it a competitive market for this occupation. Cost of living in California is higher average (COL index: 149.9).
What is the cost-of-living adjusted salary for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in California?
After adjusting for cost of living (COL index: 149.9 vs. Missouri baseline of 100), the $68,275 salary in California has the purchasing power of approximately $45,547 in Missouri. Higher living costs in California reduce real purchasing power.
How does California compare to neighboring states for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses salaries?
For detailed comparison across all states, see the full Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses salary page at the national level, which includes a complete 50-state salary table.

Top Paying Jobs in California

# Job Title Median Annual
1 Radiologists $387,400
2 Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric $382,775
3 Neurologists $369,500
4 Surgeons, All Other $368,150
5 Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric $339,850
6 Psychiatrists $312,248
7 Physicians, Pathologists $304,900
8 General Internal Medicine Physicians $304,175
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024

About Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in California

Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses work in their specialized field applying expertise and skills to deliver value in their organization. This occupation is part of the healthcare sector of the U.S. economy.

Education Required: Bachelor's degree

View national Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses salary data →