Chula Vista vs Sacramento: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Chula Vista, CA and Sacramento, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chula Vista, CA | Sacramento, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,361 | $86,219▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.56 | $41.46▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,954 | $69,413▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $77,618 | $80,998▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $100,649 | $101,831▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $111,714▲ | $110,858 |
| Total Employed | 51 | 4,760▲ |
Verdict
Sacramento, CA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Chula Vista.
The salary gap between Chula Vista and Sacramento is $1,858 (2.20%). Sacramento's median is +26.66% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chula Vista spans $52,760,Sacramento spans $41,445. Chula Vista has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Sacramento ($80,828 effective) pays 8.36% more than Chula Vista ($74,590 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chula Vista if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($111,714)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($86,219/year)
- ✓Larger job market (4,760 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,828)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Chula Vista grew -12.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 38.7% growth in Sacramento over the same period.
Chula Vista, CA
$90,970 (2024) → $79,812 (2025)
Sacramento, CA
$58,830 (2019) → $81,570 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chula Vista, CA
Sacramento, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Chula Vista or Sacramento?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chula Vista and Sacramento?
Should I relocate from Chula Vista to Sacramento as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Chula Vista vs Sacramento?
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Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov