LPN salary in California
LPNs in California earn a median $79,750 a year, 24% above the national median of $64,400. That ranks #6 of 51 states. After taxes, a single filer keeps about $60,726.
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, SOC 29-2061. Taxes for tax year 2026.
| Yearly | Monthly | Every 2 weeks | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $79,750 | $6,646 | $3,067 | $38.34 |
| Average pay | $82,340 | $6,862 | $3,167 | $39.59 |
| Take-home (median) | $60,726 | $5,060 | $2,336 | $29.20 |
Where the money goes
| Item | Per year |
|---|---|
| Federal income tax | $8,715 |
| Social Security and Medicare | $6,101 |
| California income tax and state programs | $4,208 |
| Take-home | $60,726 |
California's prices are 11% above the U.S. average, so the median take-home buys what $54,846 buys in an average-priced state. The California minimum wage is $16.90; the median LPN earns 2.3 times that.
LPN pay in California vs. neighboring states
| State | Median salary | Take-home | Buying power |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $79,750 | $60,726 | $54,846 |
| Arizona | $77,070 | $61,524 | $61,111 |
| Nevada | $76,160 | $62,409 | $62,422 |
| Oregon | $80,470 | $58,666 | $56,758 |
Frequently asked questions
- How much do lpns make in California?
- The median salary is $79,750 a year ($38.34 an hour), and the average is $82,340, per BLS data for May 2025.
- How much do lpns take home in California?
- About $60,726 a year after federal and California taxes, or $2,336 every two weeks, for a single filer at the median salary.
- Do lpns earn more in California than the national average?
- California ranks #6 of 51 for median pay, 24% above the U.S. median of $64,400. Adjusted for prices and taxes it ranks #21.