Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in San Clemente, CA: $39.93 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in San Clemente, CA runs $39.93 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,052 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against San Clemente's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.31 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,837 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In San Clemente, California, the licensed practical nurse hourly pay is projected to be $39.93 in 2026, significantly surpassing the national hourly median of $32.73. This competitive rate enhances the appeal of part-time and per-diem positions common in various healthcare settings, including skilled nursing facilities, home health visits, and physician offices. For example, LPNs working three days a week can earn a steady income while enjoying a balanced schedule, which is attractive for those balancing personal commitments or further education. The hourly range for LPNs in San Clemente spans from $29.64 at the entry-level to a notable $53.06 for experienced professionals, reflecting the diversity in roles and responsibilities across the local healthcare landscape.
About the San Clemente 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) | $29.64 | $237.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.93 | $295.45 |
| Median (P50) | $39.93 | $319.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.20 | $385.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.06 | $424.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Clemente
Based on $39.93/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.93/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Clemente, CA can expect to earn approximately $83,062 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,920. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Clemente.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Clemente
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,597.34 | $6,922 | $83,062 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $958.40 | $4,153 | $49,837 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $638.94 | $2,769 | $33,225 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (San Clemente) | $39.93 |
| 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 San Clemente, CA earn a median of $83,052 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.01% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 0.60% below the California state average of $83,553.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.93/hr = $49,837/year (purchasing power: $44,065).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,062/year (purchasing power: $73,441).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.93/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in San Clemente (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.18/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.93/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.21/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in San Clemente grew 35.6% from $27.85/hr (2019) to $37.78/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.21/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 San Clemente 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 San Clemente
Focusing on the earning dynamics for licensed practical nurses in San Clemente reveals intriguing insights regarding part-time opportunities and the realities of alternative employment arrangements. A part-time LPN working 24 hours per week could expect to take home around $49,781 annually, which can differ significantly from full-time earnings. With the rise of per-diem and agency roles, many LPNs may opt for flexible options like facilities facing staffing shortages, where they can earn up to $60 per hour. It's important to note that compensation varies widely, depending on the type of employer; for example, skilled nursing facilities might offer lower rates than some agency positions, which often come with less job security and limited benefits. Nurses may need to weigh the higher hourly rates available for agency work against the comprehensive benefits packages that come with full-time positions in more stable environments. When negotiating, LPNs should consider these trade-offs and leverage location-specific data to maximize their financial outcomes, ensuring they receive competitive compensation reflective of the demand for practical nursing in San Clemente, CA.
More salary data for San Clemente, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in San Clemente in 2026?
How much do part-time licensed practical nurses make in San Clemente?
Are licensed practical nurses in San Clemente paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time licensed practical nurse make per year in San Clemente?
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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 San Clemente. 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 San Clemente 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