$79,720 a year$38 an hour · median pay in the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$64,950per year
Top pay (top 10%)$96,390per year
Jobs in the area6,610people work this job
Can a licensed practical nurse afford San Diego?
Expensive. Rent of $3,011 a month takes 45.3% of the median licensed practical nurse salary. That is over the 30% rule, so many people in this job share housing or need a second income.
Licensed Practical Nurse pay in similar cities
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a licensed practical nurse make in San Diego, CA?
The median pay for a licensed practical nurse in the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA area is $79,720 a year ($38 an hour). Most earn between $64,950 and $96,390.
Can a licensed practical nurse afford to live in San Diego?
Typical rent of $3,011 a month takes 45.3% of the median licensed practical nurse salary, which we rate Expensive.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, for the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA metro area.