How Much Do Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Make in California?
Median wage from BLS May 2025 — and the after-tax number the salary sites skip. Tax year 2026.
Quick answer
According to payandtaxes.com's analysis of BLS May 2025 data and 2026 tax law, the median Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in California earns $79,750 per year and takes home $61,747 ($5,146/month) — a keep-rate of 77.4%, with 82,850 employed in the state.
Free. No signup. Single filer, standard deduction — full model.
| Gross pay | $6,645.83 |
| Federal income tax | $726.24 |
| Social Security | $412.04 |
| Medicare | $96.37 |
| California state income tax | $265.60 |
| You keep | $5,145.59 |
How much do Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses make in California?
The median Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in California earns $79,750 per year (BLS May 2025), about $38.34 per hour.
What is that after taxes?
$79,750 gross in California keeps $61,747 after federal income tax ($8,715), FICA ($6,101) and state income tax ($3,187) — $5,146 per month, a 77.4% keep-rate.
How does California compare to the national median for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
The California median is $15,350 above the national median of $64,400.
Which state pays Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses the most?
Washington has the highest median gross for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses at $83,150 — but compare take-home, not gross: state taxes change the order.
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses salary in every state · California paycheck calculator · California minimum wage