Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Union City, CA: $40.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Union City, CA runs $40.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,701 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Union City's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,220 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the estimated licensed practical nurse hourly rate in Union City, CA, is projected to be $40.24, significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $32.73. This competitive pay level opens up opportunities for part-time and per-diem positions, which are common in sectors such as skilled nursing facilities, home health care visits, and hospice care. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this hourly rate can lead to substantial earnings compared to the national average. The hourly range for licensed practical nurses in Union City varies from entry-level positions at approximately $30.41 to experienced practitioners earning upwards of $50.19. It's worth recognizing that these figures are estimates derived from projected annual salary data, highlighting the demand for skilled professionals in the local healthcare ecosystem.
About the Union City 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) | $30.41 | $243.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.60 | $300.78 |
| Median (P50) | $40.24 | $321.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.51 | $372.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.19 | $401.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Union City
Based on $40.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.24/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Union City, CA can expect to earn approximately $83,699 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,288. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Union City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Union City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,609.60 | $6,975 | $83,699 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $965.76 | $4,185 | $50,220 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $643.84 | $2,790 | $33,480 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Union City) | $40.24 |
| 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 Union City, CA earn a median of $83,701 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.96% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 0.20% above the California state average of $83,534.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.24/hr = $50,220/year (purchasing power: $44,403).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,699/year (purchasing power: $74,005).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.24/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Union City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.07/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.29/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.51/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Union City grew 35.6% from $28.07/hr (2019) to $38.07/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.53/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 Union City 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 Union City
When considering the financial implications of a part-time or per-diem role, a licensed practical nurse who works 24 hours a week can expect an annual income potentially well above the national average, depending on their hourly rate. Furthermore, the per diem licensed practical nurse pay in Union City typically ranges from $28 to $42 per hour, with agency LPNs commanding even higher rates between $45 and $60 at understaffed facilities. Variability in hourly rates also exists based on the type of employer—facilities such as hospitals, skilled nursing homes, and correctional institutions may offer different compensation packages. Many LPNs face a trade-off between hourly rates and benefits; some may opt for lower hourly pay in exchange for comprehensive health insurance. When negotiating wages, licensed practical nurses should emphasize their unique skills, experience, and the high demand for their services in Union City, framing discussions not just around numbers but also around the value they bring to their healthcare teams.
More salary data for Union City, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Union City in 2026?
How much do part-time licensed practical nurses make in Union City?
Are licensed practical nurses in Union City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time licensed practical nurse make per year in Union City?
Do licensed practical nurses earn more per hour working part-time in Union City?
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 Union City. 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 Union City 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