Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in San Mateo, CA: $40.58 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in San Mateo, CA runs $40.58 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $84,399 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against San Mateo's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,642 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In San Mateo, California, the licensed practical nurse hourly pay is projected to reach $40.58 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $32.73. This rate reflects the local cost of living and the demand for skilled nursing personnel across various healthcare settings, including skilled nursing facilities, home health care agencies, and hospice care. With a range from $29.28 for entry-level positions to as high as $54.68 for the most experienced, LPNs in San Mateo find diverse opportunities in both full-time and part-time arrangements. For those considering part-time work, such as three days a week, the hourly pay can still offer a competitive income, particularly for per-diem LPNs who may find placements that suit their schedule while enjoying flexibility and higher per shift pay.
About the San Mateo 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) | $29.28 | $234.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.85 | $302.81 |
| Median (P50) | $40.58 | $324.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.71 | $381.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.68 | $437.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Mateo
Based on $40.58/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.58/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Mateo, CA can expect to earn approximately $84,403 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,694. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Mateo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Mateo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,623.13 | $7,034 | $84,403 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $973.88 | $4,220 | $50,642 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $649.25 | $2,813 | $33,761 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (San Mateo) | $40.58 |
| 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 Mateo, CA earn a median of $84,399 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.99% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 1.10% above the California state average of $83,481.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.58/hr = $50,642/year (purchasing power: $44,776).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $84,403/year (purchasing power: $74,627).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.58/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in San Mateo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.58/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.89/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in San Mateo grew 35.6% from $28.30/hr (2019) to $38.39/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.89/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 Mateo 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 Mateo
Part-time licensed practical nurses can expect to earn a substantial income even if they only work three days a week. Taking home approximately $40,000 or more annually is entirely feasible, which contrasts sharply with full-time salaries in the field. Per diem positions can range widely in hourly pay, with per diem licensed practical nurse pay in San Mateo varying from $28 to $42, while more specialized settings or urgent staffing needs may push agency rates closer to $60 per hour. Understanding the nuances of employer types is essential, as hospitals, physician offices, and correctional facilities may offer different rates, often reflective of the benefits provided. Many LPNs face a trade-off between earning a higher hourly wage without the backing of health insurance versus opting for positions that offer stability and benefits but slightly lower compensation. Negotiating pay in this competitive market can hinge on emphasizing specialized skills or areas of expertise, particularly given the evolving scope of practice for LPNs in California.
More salary data for San Mateo, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in San Mateo in 2026?
How much do part-time licensed practical nurses make in San Mateo?
Are licensed practical nurses in San Mateo paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time licensed practical nurse make per year in San Mateo?
Do licensed practical nurses earn more per hour working part-time in San Mateo?
Related Pages
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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 Mateo. 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 Mateo 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