RN vs LPN Salary in California: 2026 Comparison
Updated 16 April 2026
In California, RNs earn $124,000 on average while LPNs earn $65,000, a gap of $59,000 per year. The cost of living in California is above the national average (index: 142).
RN Average
$124,000
LPN Average
$65,000
Gap
$59,000
Cost of Living
142
(US avg = 100)
Entry-Level vs Experienced Salary
| Level | RN Salary | LPN Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level (0-2 years) | $95,000 | $52,000 |
| Average (all experience) | $124,000 | $65,000 |
| Experienced (10+ years) | $148,000 | $76,000 |
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 | $148,000 | $72,000 | $76,000 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale | $145,000 | $70,000 | $75,000 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach | $118,000 | $63,000 | $55,000 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista | $112,000 | $61,000 | $51,000 |
| Sacramento-Roseville | $120,000 | $64,000 | $56,000 |
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
$87,324
$124,000 nominal adjusted to national COL baseline
LPN Purchasing Power
$45,775
$65,000 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 website