collageIt can be a difficult decision to choose which type of nursing license to pursue. Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN), Registered Nursing (RN), and Advanced Practice Nursing (APRN) licensure all come with their own benefits and drawbacks.
Most nurses begin their careers as either an LVN or RN. If you’re trying to decide between these two licenses, you might be curious about the difference between an LVN vs RN salary.
In this article, we’re going to discuss how an LVN vs RN salary measures up to each other and why, plus some ways to maximize your salary as an LVN.
Is There a Difference Between an LVN and LPN License?
There are no major differences in the job duties between an LPN and an LVN. The only true difference is the name. California and Texas use the term LVN, while the rest of the country uses the term Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). They are considered interchangeable.
Both LPN and LVN programs prepare you to take the same licensing exam, the NCLEX-PN.
If an LVN wanted to work in a state that uses the term LPN, then they would apply for Licensure By Endorsement in the same way any LPN would. There are no extra steps for LVNs.
Average RN Salaries in California
The demand for RNs continues to grow across the country. Becoming an RN in California can lead to especially rewarding employment opportunities. RNs in California make the top salaries in the nation, earning 49.8% higher than the national average. California RNs earn an average yearly salary of $124,000 and an average hourly pay rate close to $60.
Several factors contribute to the higher RN salary in California. A strong union movement for nurses in the state and the high cost of living keep salaries competitive. Licensed vocational nurses (LVN) in California are not authorized to administer the same level of patient care as their counterparts in other states, resulting in more job opportunities for RNs who can provide a broader scope of practice. In addition, the demand for RNs continues to grow due to nurse retirements and the increasing need for healthcare, especially among the state’s older population.
Over 85% of RNs in California earn an average salary above $125,000 a year. RN salaries range from $78,070 among the bottom 10th percentile to $165,620 for the top 90th percentile, with a median of $125,340. Compensation rates vary by type of employer, location, degree level and specializations, and years of employment.
| PERCENTILE | AVERAGE ANNUAL RN SALARY | AVERAGE HOURLY RN SALARY |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $78,070 | $37.53 |
| 25th Percentile | $98,960 | $47.58 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $125,340 | $60.26 |
| 75th Percentile | $155,930 | $74.97 |
| 90th Percentile | $165,620 | $79.63 |
Source: BLS
California RN Salary, Adjusted for Cost of Living
- Average RN Salary Adjusted for Cost of Living: $111,104 (Ranks 1st among all states)
- Cost of Living Index (RPP): 110.4 (10.4% higher than the U.S. average)
Aspiring RNs should consider how the cost of living in the state where they intend to practice will affect their earnings. RNs who work in a state with higher cost-of-living expenses may have to adjust their salary expectations to accommodate personal needs, family obligations, and desired quality of life.
The cost-of-living index measures how much an individual needs to spend to meet a certain standard of living, with a rank of 100 equal to the national average. According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, the cost-of-living index adjusts salary based on regional price parity (RPP), based on the cost of essentials, such as clothing, housing, food, utilities, medical care, and transportation.
California’s cost-of-living index is 110.4, the fourth highest of all fifty states. This means that the cost of basic goods in services in the state runs 10.4% higher than the national average. However, even when adjusted for cost of living, the average RN salary in California remains competitive. California’s RNs earn an average salary adjusted for cost of living of $111,104, ranking first among all states.
Highest-Paying Cities for RNs in California
| CITY | AVERAGE RN SALARY |
|---|---|
| San Jose – Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $155,230 |
| San Francisco – Oakland-Hayward | $151,640 |
| Vallejo – Fairfield | $146,360 |
| Santa Rosa | $141,440 |
| Napa | $139,680 |
Source: BLS
This table lists the top-paying urban centers for RNs in the state, with all five locations offering salaries above the state average of $124,000. Not only do these metropolitan areas provide generous salaries and job prospects, but their residents enjoy the benefits of the California lifestyle, characterized by good weather, a diverse culture, and an abundance of entertainment and recreational options.
RNs working in Northern California’s Bay Area earn average salaries of over $150,000, the highest in the state. San Jose and San Francisco, known for their cultural diversity, dramatic landscapes, and a year-round mild climate, rank among the most desirable places to live in California, with San Jose offering a more affordable cost of living.
These five urban areas are home to some of the most prestigious healthcare organizations in California, including over 40 Magnet hospitals. The Magnet hospital designation, awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, establishes a benchmark for quality healthcare and consistently above average national patient outcomes. Magnet hospitals offer RNs better work environments, higher job satisfaction, and top salaries.
Average Salaries for Other Nursing Roles in California
Nursing assistants and LVNs without a college degree earn considerably less than RNs. While RNs can enter the field after earning an associate degree in nursing, many employers prefer to hire RNs who have completed a bachelor’s degree. A bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) generally enhances job and salary prospects. Factors like the type of employer, geographic location, and work experience also influence compensation levels.
Becoming a board-certified advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) leads to even greater career advancement and earning potential. RNs who earn a master of science in nursing (MSN), with APRN specializations as nurse midwives, nurse practitioners, and nurse anesthetists, rank among the highest paid nurses in the country. RNs with an MSN can earn an average of $23,000 more than those with a BSN degree.
- Nursing Assistants: $39,760
- LPN/LVNs: $65,140
- Nurse Midwives: $137,070
- Nurse Practitioners: $151,830
- Nurse Anesthetists: $232,540
Average LVN vs RN Salary in the United States
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median LVN vs RN salary in 2019, which is the most recent report available, is as follows:
LVN: $47,480 per year or $22.83 per hour
RN: $73,300 per year or $35.24 per hour
Both positions have an above-average job outlook for the period 2019 through 2029. LVNs actually take a slight lead in this one with 9% expected growth versus 7% expected for RNs.
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The Differences Between RN and LVN Licenses
Most of the variation between an LVN vs RN salary comes down to the differences in scope of practice allowed by their respective licenses.
Both RNs and LVNs complete specialized education programs and must pass a nationwide licensing exam. However, RNs go to school for 1-3 years longer and this allows them a greater scope of practice than an LVN.
The activities that both RNs and LVNs are allowed to perform vary by state. Here are some general similarities and differences in job functions and responsibilities:
Activities That Both RNS And LVNS Can Do
- Administer oral, rectal, ophthalmic, and topical medications
- Monitor tube and IV sites
- Perform and document physical assessments
- Measure and record vital signs
- Assist patients with feeding, dressing, hygiene, and transfers
- Treat basic wounds or change dressings
- Collect specimens such as capillary blood, stool, and urine
- Insert urinary catheters
- Care for patients with ventilators and tracheostomy tubes
- Insert, care for, and feed patients with nasogastric tubes
- Care for and feed patients through gastrostomy tubes
- Perform CPR
- Communicate reports during shift changes
ACTIVITIES THAT ARE USUALLY ONLY PERFORMED BY RNS
- Administer IV medications (Some states allow LVNs to become certified.)
- Complete admission assessments (Some states do allow LVNs to do this if an RN co-signs the assessment.)
- Develop nursing care plans
- Take verbal orders from a doctor
- Administer blood products
- Pronounce time of death in long-term care or hospice facilities (only some states allow RNs to do this)
- Access or flush PICC lines, subcutaneous ports, or central lines
- Administer insulin drips, cardiac medication drips, or total parenteral nutrition
- Give chemotherapy medications or administer dialysis
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How Can LVNs Earn More?
Even though an LVN doesn’t earn quite as much as an RN, there are some ways for you to maximize your salary as an LVN.
GET CERTIFIED IN A SPECIALTY
While LVNs don’t have quite the same range of specialties available as RNs, there are still certifications open to them. The National Association of Practical Nurse Education and Service (NAPNES) provides access to several certifications including the following:
- IV Therapy
- Long-term Care
- Wound Care
- Pharmacology
CONSIDER CHANGING LOCATIONS
Salaries for all types of nurses vary greatly by state. LVNs/LPNs in West Virginia can expect lower hourly rates ($17.40 on average) while those in Massachusetts and Rhode Island enjoy top rates ($27.79 on average).
The cost of living also varies greatly between states, so the salary shouldn’t be the only consideration but it is a factor.
LPN SALARIES
Atlanta, GA ($48k/year) | Boston, MA ($61k/year)
Dallas, TX ($52k/year) | Denver, CO ($56k/year)
Las Vegas, NV ($59k/year) | Los Angeles, CA ($62k/year)
Seattle, WA ($61k/year) | Tampa, FL ($47k/year)FREE SALARY ESTIMATE
CONSIDER TRAVEL NURSING
Similar to considering relocation, you can also consider travel nursing as an LVN. Travel nurses make more than other nurses as they go where there is high demand. Their salaries also often include stipends for housing, meals, or mileage.
PURSUE ADDITIONAL EDUCATION
Many LVNs continue on in school to receive RN or even APRN licenses. The benefit of first practicing as an LVN is for the experience and receiving LVN pay while going through school. Additionally, some healthcare employers offer tuition assistance or reimbursement, so they may pick up some of the cost of your education.
LVN Salary in California
- Yearly
- Monthly
- Weekly
- Hourly
Table View
California Average$23,595$49,864 /year$66,852$25 /hourLVN Salary in California Comparison by LocationNationwideUnited States$49,864CaliforniaUnited States$51,437
How much does a LVN make in California?
As of Oct 5, 2021, the average annual pay for a LVN in California is $51,438 an year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $24.73 an hour. This is the equivalent of $989/week or $4,286/month.
While ZipRecruiter is seeing salaries as high as $66,852 and as low as $23,595, the majority of LVN salaries currently range between $41,290 (25th percentile) to $54,070 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $61,444 annually in California.
The average pay range for a LVN varies greatly (as much as $12,780), which suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay based on skill level, location and years of experience.
Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the LVN job market in California is not very active as few companies are currently hiring.
California ranks number 4 out of 50 states nationwide for LVN salaries.
To estimate the most accurate annual salary range for LVN jobs, ZipRecruiter continuously scans its database of millions of active jobs published locally throughout America.
Find your next high paying job as a LVN on ZipRecruiter today.
What are Top 10 Highest Paying Cities for LVN Jobs in California
We’ve identified 10 cities where the typical salary for a LVN job is above the average in California. Topping the list is Pleasanton, with San Francisco and Santa Clara close behind in second and third. Santa Clara beats the California average by 13.4%, and Pleasanton furthers that trend with another $7,654 (14.9%) above the $51,438.
Significantly, Pleasanton has a very active LVN job market as there are several companies currently hiring for this type of role.
With these 10 cities paying on average above the average for California, the opportunities for economic advancement by changing locations as a LVN appears to be exceedingly fruitful.
Finally, another factor to consider is the average salary for these top 10 cities varies very little at 7% between Pleasanton and Tracy, reinforcing the limited potential for much wage advancement. The possibility of a lower cost of living may be the best factor to use when considering location and salary for a LVN role.
| City | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pleasanton | $59,092 | $4,924 | $1,136 | $28.41 |
| San Francisco | $58,743 | $4,895 | $1,130 | $28.24 |
| Santa Clara | $58,335 | $4,861 | $1,122 | $28.05 |
| Los Angeles | $57,070 | $4,756 | $1,097 | $27.44 |
| Fremont | $56,489 | $4,707 | $1,086 | $27.16 |
| San Buenaventura | $55,955 | $4,663 | $1,076 | $26.90 |
| Winchester | $55,640 | $4,637 | $1,070 | $26.75 |
| San Jose | $55,425 | $4,619 | $1,066 | $26.65 |
| Oakland | $54,835 | $4,570 | $1,055 | $26.36 |
| Tracy | $54,668 | $4,556 | $1,051 | $26.28 |
What are Top 5 Best Paying Related LVN Jobs in California
We found at least 5 jobs related to the LVN job category that pay more per year than a typical LVN salary in California. Top examples of these roles include: Telecommute LVN Travel Nurse, Summer LVN Travel Nurse, and International LVN Travel Nurse.
Importantly, all of these jobs are paid between $16,339 (31.8%) and $22,497 (43.7%) more than the average LVN salary of $51,438. If you’re qualified, getting hired for one of these related LVN jobs may help you make more money than that of the average LVN position.
| Job Title | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International LVN Travel Nurse | $69,794 | $5,816 | $1,342 | $33.55 |
| Work From Home LVN | $69,015 | $5,751 | $1,327 | $33.18 |
| Seasonal LVN Travel Nurse | $67,776 | $5,648 | $1,303 | $32.58 |
| Telecommute LVN Travel Nurse | $73,934 | $6,161 | $1,422 | $35.55 |
| Summer LVN Travel Nurse | $72,221 | $6,018 | $1,389 | $34.72 |
About Our DataZipRecruiter salary estimates, histograms, trends and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third party data sources.Data used to develop this report includes ADP data. ADP is an exclusive provider of employee payroll data for ZipRecruiter.
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