Lake Forest vs San Francisco: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Lake Forest, CA and San Francisco, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lake Forest, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,994 | $99,686▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $39.42 | $47.92▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,485 | $80,226▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $74,579 | $86,304▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $97,663 | $110,044▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $107,068 | $115,340▲ |
| Total Employed | 14 | 8,800▲ |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lake Forest.
The salary gap between Lake Forest and San Francisco is $17,692 (21.58%). San Francisco's median is +46.44% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lake Forest spans $41,583,San Francisco spans $35,114. Lake Forest 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, San Francisco ($86,224 effective) pays 18.93% more than Lake Forest ($72,497 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lake Forest if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($99,686/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($115,340)
- ✓Larger job market (8,800 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $86,224)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Lake Forest grew -10.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 39.7% growth in San Francisco over the same period.
Lake Forest, CA
$86,613 (2024) → $77,572 (2025)
San Francisco, CA
$67,520 (2019) → $94,310 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lake Forest, CA
San Francisco, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Lake Forest or San Francisco?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lake Forest and San Francisco?
Should I relocate from Lake Forest to San Francisco as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Lake Forest vs San Francisco?
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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