Sacramento vs Salinas: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Sacramento, CA and Salinas, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sacramento, CA | Salinas, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,219▲ | $85,522 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.46▲ | $41.12 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,413▲ | $68,007 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,998▲ | $79,138 |
| 75th Percentile | $101,831▲ | $96,737 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $110,858▲ | $101,863 |
| Total Employed | 4,760▲ | 710 |
Verdict
Sacramento, CA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Salinas.
The salary gap between Sacramento and Salinas is $697 (0.81%). 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 Sacramento spans $41,445,Salinas spans $33,856. Sacramento 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 3.06% more than Salinas ($78,430 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($86,219/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($110,858)
- ✓Larger job market (4,760 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,828)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Salinas if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Sacramento grew 38.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 36.1% growth in Salinas over the same period.
Sacramento, CA
$58,830 (2019) → $81,570 (2025)
Salinas, CA
$59,430 (2019) → $80,910 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sacramento, CA
Salinas, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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