Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Santa Ana, CA: $42.54 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Santa Ana, CA runs $42.54 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $88,486 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Santa Ana's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $37.62 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,095 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Licensed practical nurses in Santa Ana, CA, earn a median hourly rate of $42.54, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $32.73. This competitive pay reflects the high demand for LPNs across various care settings including skilled nursing facilities, home health visits, and hospice care. Entry-level professionals can expect to start around $30.37 per hour, while top earners in this field can reach up to $56.93. Part-time and per-diem licensed practical nurses benefit from this attractive hourly rate, as they often work in flexible schedules that allow them to gain diverse experience while maintaining a work-life balance. The hourly rates mentioned above are estimated figures derived from annual salary data, offering a clear perspective on the earning potential within the region.
About the Santa Ana 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) | $30.37 | $242.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.05 | $296.38 |
| Median (P50) | $42.54 | $340.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.20 | $409.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.93 | $455.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Ana
Based on $42.54/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.54/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santa Ana, CA can expect to earn approximately $88,492 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,053. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Santa Ana.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Ana
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,701.77 | $7,374 | $88,492 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,021.06 | $4,425 | $53,095 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $680.71 | $2,950 | $35,397 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Santa Ana) | $42.54 |
| 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 Santa Ana, CA earn a median of $88,486 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.99% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 6.00% above the California state average of $83,477.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.54/hr = $53,095/year (purchasing power: $46,945).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $88,492/year (purchasing power: $78,242).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.25/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.54/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Santa Ana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.68/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.51/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.14/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.25/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.54/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Santa Ana grew 35.6% from $29.68/hr (2019) to $40.25/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.97/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 Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana
Exploring the financial outlook for a part-time LPN working three days a week allows for an understanding of the practical income achieved by those in this role. For instance, a licensed practical nurse dedicating 24 hours weekly can anticipate an annual take-home that reflects their part-time status, which is often more manageable than that of their full-time counterparts. Per diem licensed practical nurse pay in Santa Ana generally fluctuates between $28 to $42 per hour, while agency nurses may command even higher rates, especially in understaffed facilities, where earnings could reach between $45 and $60 per hour. The type of employer significantly impacts hourly earnings; skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies may offer more stable pay compared to hospitals or physician offices. Additionally, many LPNs must balance their hourly rate against benefits such as health insurance when making employment decisions. Effective negotiation strategies, including highlighting specific skills or flexibility, can bolster an LPN's hourly value in this competitive job market.
More salary data for Santa Ana, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Santa Ana in 2026?
How much do part-time licensed practical nurses make in Santa Ana?
Are licensed practical nurses in Santa Ana paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time licensed practical nurse make per year in Santa Ana?
Do licensed practical nurses earn more per hour working part-time in Santa Ana?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 Santa Ana. 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 Santa Ana 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