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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Registered Practical Nurse in California is $68,816 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $33.
However, a Registered Practical Nurse's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Registered Practical Nurse Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $79,357 | $6,613 | $1,526 | $38 |
| Average | $68,816 | $5,735 | $1,323 | $33 |
| 25th Percentile | $58,557 | $4,880 | $1,126 | $28 |
Pulse Healthcare - Sonora, CA
DaVita Inc - Arcadia, CA
Highland Hospital - Oakland, CA
Department of Health and Human Services - Davis, CA
A Registered Practical Nurse's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Registered Practical Nurses. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Registered Practical Nurse roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Registered Practical Nurse positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Registered Practical Nurse as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $86,020 | $41.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $82,580 | $40.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $79,139 | $38.0 | 15% |
| Business Services | $75,698 | $36.0 | 10% |
| Internet | $75,698 | $36.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Registered Practical Nurse's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $79,357 | $6,613 | $1,526 | $38 |
| Average | $68,816 | $5,735 | $1,323 | $33 |
| 25th Percentile | $58,557 | $4,880 | $1,126 | $28 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Registered Practical Nurse job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Department of Health and Human Services
Hemet, CA
Department of Health and Human Services | Hemet, CA
Licensed Practical Nurse. The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) provides direct, evidence-based nursing care to patients experiencing acute, sub-acute, or chr... more
6 Days Ago
VITAS Healthcare
San Fernando, CA
VITAS Healthcare | San Fernando, CA
Licensed Practical Nurse. The LPN/LVN administers nursing care according to the plan of care to terminally ill patients admitted to the VITAS program, in a... more
6 Days Ago
Sero Mental Health
Los Angeles, CA
Sero Mental Health | Los Angeles, CA
Breathe (Life Healing Centers). is hiring for a Licensed Vocation Nurse (LVN) in West Hollywood, CA area. Full time at 40/hrs then transition to 36/hrs. Th... more
7 Days Ago
VITAS Healthcare
Camarillo, CA
VITAS Healthcare | Camarillo, CA
Licensed Practical Nurse. The LPN/LVN administers nursing care according to the plan of care to terminally ill patients admitted to the VITAS program, in a... more
8 Days Ago
Kurz Solutions
Palo Alto, CA
Kurz Solutions | Palo Alto, CA
LPN - Long Term Care. The LPN working in the Community Living Center shall provide services supporting the medical staff (physicians and registered nurses)... more
9 Days Ago
VITAS Healthcare
San Diego, CA
VITAS Healthcare | San Diego, CA
Licensed Practical Nurse. The LPN/LVN administers nursing care according to the plan of care to terminally ill patients admitted to the VITAS program, in a... more
7 Days Ago
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