Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in San Rafael, CA: $40.74 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in San Rafael, CA runs $40.74 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $84,732 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against San Rafael's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,840 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the licensed practical nurse hourly pay in San Rafael, California, is projected to be $40.74, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $32.73. This favorable pay can be advantageous for part-time workers, such as those seeking to work three days a week. With a typical 24-hour workweek, part-time LPNs can still secure a respectable income while enjoying greater flexibility. Additionally, those in per-diem roles will benefit from varied settings such as skilled nursing facilities, home health scenarios, physician offices, and hospice care. The hourly rate can range from about $31.56 for entry-level positions to up to $51.69 for the most experienced LPNs in the industry. It’s important to remember that these hourly figures reflect estimates based on projected annual salary data, affirming the competitive nature of licensed practical nurse hourly pay in San Rafael.
About the San Rafael 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) | $31.56 | $252.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.12 | $296.97 |
| Median (P50) | $40.74 | $325.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.71 | $381.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.69 | $413.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Rafael
Based on $40.74/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.74/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Rafael, CA can expect to earn approximately $84,733 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,884. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Rafael.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Rafael
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,629.47 | $7,061 | $84,733 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $977.68 | $4,237 | $50,840 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $651.79 | $2,824 | $33,893 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (San Rafael) | $40.74 |
| 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 Rafael, CA earn a median of $84,732 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.48% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 1.50% above the California state average of $83,480.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.74/hr = $50,840/year (purchasing power: $44,951).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $84,733/year (purchasing power: $74,918).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.41/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.54/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.74/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in San Rafael (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.41/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.22/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.77/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.69/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.75/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.54/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.74/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in San Rafael grew 35.6% from $28.41/hr (2019) to $38.54/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.06/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 Rafael 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 Rafael
Considering the part-time earning potential, a licensed practical nurse working three days a week can expect to take home approximately $61,020 annually, a substantial amount compared to some full-time roles in other areas. For those pursuing per-diem positions, the pay varies, with LPNs typically billing between $28-$42 per hour. In situations where agency staffing is needed at nursing facilities, LPNs can command even higher rates, between $45-$60 per hour depending on demand. Hourly wages can shift depending on the type of employer; skilled nursing facilities and long-term care settings generally offer lower pay compared to hospitals and agency placements. While some licensed practical nurses may choose positions with lower pay in exchange for benefits like health insurance, others may prefer higher hourly rates lacking these perks. When negotiating pay in San Rafael, highlight your experience and consider the benefits of various employer types to secure the best arrangement for your career growth.
More salary data for San Rafael, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in San Rafael in 2026?
How much do part-time licensed practical nurses make in San Rafael?
Are licensed practical nurses in San Rafael paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time licensed practical nurse make per year in San Rafael?
Do licensed practical nurses earn more per hour working part-time in San Rafael?
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 Rafael. 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 Rafael 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