RN vs LPN Salary in California: 2026 Comparison
Updated June 2026
In California, RNs earn $150,300 on average while LPNs earn $82,300, a gap of $68,000 per year. The cost of living in California is above the national average (index: 142).
RN Average
$150,300
LPN Average
$82,300
Gap
$68,000
Cost of Living
142
(US avg = 100)
Entry-Level vs Experienced Salary
| Level | RN Salary | LPN Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level (0-2 years) | $101,000 | $64,000 |
| Average (all experience) | $150,300 | $82,300 |
| Experienced (10+ years) | $213,000 | $100,000 |
Metro Area Breakdown
Salaries vary within California depending on the metro area. Larger cities with higher costs of living and more competition for nurses tend to pay more.
| Metro Area | RN Average | LPN Average | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland | $179,000 | $91,000 | $88,000 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale | $176,000 | $89,000 | $87,000 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach | $143,000 | $80,000 | $63,000 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista | $136,000 | $77,000 | $59,000 |
| Sacramento-Roseville | $145,000 | $81,000 | $64,000 |
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
California has a cost of living index of 142 (national average = 100). Here is what nursing salaries feel like after adjusting for local purchasing power.
RN Purchasing Power
$105,845
$150,300 nominal adjusted to national COL baseline
LPN Purchasing Power
$57,958
$82,300 nominal adjusted to national COL baseline
California Scope of Practice Notes
California is the only state with mandatory nurse-to-patient staffing ratios (e.g., 1:5 in med-surg, 1:2 in ICU). This increases demand and drives higher salaries. LPNs (called LVNs in California) cannot administer IV medications without additional certification.
For the full comparison, see our RN vs LPN scope of practice page.
Top Healthcare Employers in California
Kaiser Permanente
Sutter Health
Dignity Health/CommonSpirit
UCLA Health
Stanford Health Care
California Board of Nursing
Always verify licensing requirements, fees, and continuing education obligations with your state board of nursing.
California Board of Nursing websiteCalifornia RN vs LPN Salary FAQ
What is the average LPN salary in California?
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in California earn an average of $82,300 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS, May 2025). Entry-level LPNs typically start around $64,000, while experienced LPNs with 10 or more years earn about $100,000.
What is the average RN salary in California?
Registered nurses (RNs) in California earn an average of $150,300 per year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), roughly $68,000 more than LPNs. Entry-level RNs typically start near $101,000, and experienced RNs earn around $213,000.
Which California metro area pays nurses the most?
Among the major California metros, San Francisco-Oakland pays the most, with RNs averaging about $179,000 and LPNs about $91,000 per year. Pay is generally highest in the largest metros, where cost of living and competition for nurses are also higher.
How much more do RNs earn than LPNs in California?
In California, RNs earn an average of $150,300 versus $82,300 for LPNs, a gap of about $68,000 per year. The difference reflects the RN's broader scope of practice and the additional education an RN licence requires.