Licensed Practical Nurse salary in Sacramento, CA
Median pay, Sacramento metro
$81,570/year
about $39.22 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $76,630 – $96,340
Half of licensed practical nurses in the Sacramento metro area earn more than $81,570 a year and half earn less. That's 27% higher than the national median of $64,400, and ranks #6 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $65,670 | $31.57 |
| 25th | $76,630 | $36.84 |
| Median (50th) | $81,570 | $39.22 |
| 75th | $96,340 | $46.32 |
| 90th (top earners) | $104,880 | $50.42 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a licensed practical nurse job in the Sacramento metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $76,630 ($36.84/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $76,630 to $96,340 ($36.84 to $46.32/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $96,340 ($46.32/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- Night, weekend and holiday differentials can add a lot. Ask for the exact rates.
- Pay often differs between nursing homes, hospitals, clinics and home health, so compare like with like.
- Agency and travel LPN jobs pay more per hour but usually come with fewer benefits.
Also watch for the common warning signs in the posting itself: 15 job posting red flags.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025, Sacramento metro. Occupation: Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses (SOC 29-2061). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.