Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Chula Vista, CA: $40.56 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Chula Vista, CA runs $40.56 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $84,361 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Chula Vista's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,615 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Licensed practical nurse hourly pay in Chula Vista, CA, is projected to reach $40.56 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $32.73. This attractive hourly rate opens up substantial earning potential for part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week in various settings like skilled nursing facilities, home health visits, and physician offices. The hourly range for licensed practical nurses in this region spans from $28.34 at the entry level to around $53.71 for experienced professionals. This data reflects a vibrant job market, supported by the local demand for healthcare services and the estimated salary figures based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026.
About the Chula Vista Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28.34 | $226.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.31 | $298.50 |
| Median (P50) | $40.56 | $324.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.39 | $387.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.71 | $429.65 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chula Vista
Based on $40.56/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.56/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chula Vista, CA can expect to earn approximately $84,359 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,669. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chula Vista.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chula Vista
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,622.28 | $7,030 | $84,359 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $973.37 | $4,218 | $50,615 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $648.91 | $2,812 | $33,743 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Chula Vista) | $40.56 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) (National Avg) | $18.60 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $19.70 |
| Home Health / Personal Care Aide (National Avg) | $16.80 |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Chula Vista, CA earn a median of $84,361 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.93% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 1.00% above the California state average of $83,526.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.56/hr = $50,615/year (purchasing power: $44,753).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $84,359/year (purchasing power: $74,588).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.29/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.56/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Chula Vista (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.29/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.64/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.54/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.74/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.56/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Chula Vista grew 35.6% from $28.29/hr (2019) to $38.37/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.87/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem licensed practical nurses can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chula Vista metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.70% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Licensed Practical Nurse in Chula Vista
Focusing on part-time opportunities, a licensed practical nurse working 24 hours a week may earn an annual income of approximately $50,201, which is a notable alternative to full-time employment but often with different benefits. The per diem licensed practical nurse pay in Chula Vista varies widely, with LPNs billing between $28 and $42 per hour, while agency nurses in high-demand settings might command rates from $45 to $60 per hour. Employment across different sectors reveals that skilled nursing facilities generally offer competitive rates, while hospitals may focus more on RN staffing. Many LPNs must consider the trade-off between hourly pay and employer-provided benefits, such as health coverage, which can influence their job choices. To secure better rates, licensed practical nurses are encouraged to negotiate, understanding that flexibility and availability can often lead to more advantageous pay situations in Chula Vista's healthcare market.
More salary data for Chula Vista, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Chula Vista in 2026?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for licensed practical nurses in Chula Vista. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Chula Vista is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.70%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for licensed practical nurses (SOC 29-2061).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov