How much is the licensed practical nurse vs nursing assistant (cna) pay gap in California?

The reported gap in California is about $32,120 a year, or roughly 67% more for licensed practical nurses. Your actual pay depends on experience, specialty, shift, and employer — use the calculator to compare both for your situation.

Are these California figures exact?

They're the median wages actually reported for California — meaning half of nurses in the role earn more and half earn less. A median is a real measured midpoint, not a prediction of your offer: your pay moves with experience, specialty, shift, overtime, and employer.

Why are some figures verified and others estimates?

National pay for the main nursing roles — registered nurses, LPNs/LVNs, nurse practitioners, CRNAs, nurse midwives, and nursing assistants — comes from verified public wage data. State, city, and specialty figures that aren't reported on their own start from that national pay and are labeled "Estimated" or "Specialty estimate." We never show an estimate as a verified figure.

California · CA

Licensed Practical Nurse vs Nursing Assistant (CNA) salary in California

In California, licensed practical nurses earn more — an estimated $79,750 a year versus $47,630 for nursing assistant (cna)s, a gap of about $32,120 (roughly 67% more). Both are estimates based on national pay for each role adjusted for California.

Licensed Practical Nurse — California

Verified public wage data

Median annual pay

$79,750

+24% vs national

Hourly

$38.34/hr

Median $79,750

$64,390Middle 50%: $74,840–$93,720$100,450

Typical range: $74,840–$93,720; What most nurses earn
High end: $100,450; Top earners
Entry level: $64,390; Newer nurses

Nursing Assistant (CNA) — California

Verified public wage data

Median annual pay

$47,630

+13% vs national

Hourly

$22.90/hr

Median $47,630

$40,110Middle 50%: $45,850–$54,800$61,100

Typical range: $45,850–$54,800; What most nurses earn
High end: $61,100; Top earners
Entry level: $40,110; Newer nurses

Why the gap in California

Licensed practical nurses earn more than certified nursing assistants because LPNs hold a state nursing license earned by passing the NCLEX-PN and practice with a broader clinical scope, including medication administration and treatments. The CNA is a shorter certificate credential limited to basic care tasks under supervision. The California figures apply the same local pay adjustment to both roles, so the gap here mirrors the national picture, shifted for California's cost of labor. Actual pay varies with experience, specialty, shift, and employer — compare the national Licensed Practical Nurse vs Nursing Assistant (CNA) comparison or personalize the calculator.

Licensed Practical Nurse vs Nursing Assistant (CNA) in California — FAQ

Do licensed practical nurses or nursing assistant (cna)s earn more in California?: In California, licensed practical nurses earn more — $79,750 a year versus $47,630 for nursing assistant (cna)s, a gap of about $32,120 (roughly 67% more). Both are median wages reported for California in official public wage data.
How much is the licensed practical nurse vs nursing assistant (cna) pay gap in California?: The reported gap in California is about $32,120 a year, or roughly 67% more for licensed practical nurses. Your actual pay depends on experience, specialty, shift, and employer — use the calculator to compare both for your situation.
Are these California figures exact?: They're the median wages actually reported for California — meaning half of nurses in the role earn more and half earn less. A median is a real measured midpoint, not a prediction of your offer: your pay moves with experience, specialty, shift, overtime, and employer.
Why are some figures verified and others estimates?: National pay for the main nursing roles — registered nurses, LPNs/LVNs, nurse practitioners, CRNAs, nurse midwives, and nursing assistants — comes from verified public wage data. State, city, and specialty figures that aren't reported on their own start from that national pay and are labeled "Estimated" or "Specialty estimate." We never show an estimate as a verified figure.

Source & confidence— A verified figure from official U.S. public wage data.

BLS OEWS (May 2025, state)

California figures are published directly by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for California (May 2025). They are not estimated or adjusted.

Source year 2025. Last reviewed July 17, 2026. Full methodology

Estimated figures for California. Last reviewed July 17, 2026.