If you’re thinking about becoming a Licensed Vocational Nurse, you’ll be interested to know that the average LVN salary in California is almost 10% higher than elsewhere in the United States according to www.BLS.gov. Of course, this number is skewed somewhat by the comparatively high salaries earned by experienced LVNs in metropolitan areas, but even the average entry-level pay in the Golden State is significantly higher than in other parts of the country. Given the state’s rapidly increasing demand for vocational nurses, this should be great news to anyone who is hoping to break into the profession.
What Is the Average LVN Salary in California?
In August 2011, the average salary for an LVN in California was estimated at $50,490 per year (or $24.27 per hour) by the U.S. Board of Labor Statistics and was projected to climb steadily over the next decade. Depending on where you work, the data is even more encouraging. For example, BLS.gov data shows that LVNs in Salinas earn the highest average salary of anywhere in the country at $59,670 per year, just ahead of vocational nurses in the Bay Area (San Francisco, San Jose and Oakland in particular) who also average close to $60,000 annually.
For entry-level vocational nurses, salaries are substantially lower but still among the highest in the U.S. Recent graduates from LVN programs in California can expect to earn approximately $29,815 ($14.43 per hour) within their first couple of years out of school, which is well ahead of the national average of $27,246 ($13.07 per hour) for LPNs (Licensed Practical Nurses – the position title used in states other than California and Texas). All of these stated figures are courtesy of www.BLS.gov.
How Can I Increase My LVN Salary in California?
It is important to remember, that an LVN’s exact salary is influenced by several factors. These include your location in the state, your level of experience, the kind of facility you work at, and whether or not you hold any certifications as a specialist. While putting in time is the only way to gain experience, there are things you can do to influence the other variables that affect your pay.
Become Certified as a Specialist
Specialists are always in great demand, and there are few better ways of increasing your earning potential as an LVN than earning a specialized certification. Some of the most popular fields that LVNs choose to become certified in include: acute care, cardiovascular, delivery nursing, geriatric, intensive care, labor, oncology, pediatric and women’s health. By becoming a specialist in one of these areas, you can not only dramatically increase your salary, but also guarantee yourself of working in a position that you will enjoy and find rewarding.
Look for Employers Other Than Hospitals
The experience of working in a hospital is certainly a valuable one that new vocational nurses are encouraged to take advantage of. Advancing your career as an LVN may eventually require moving to another type of facility, however. Nursing homes, private practices, physician’s offices and health clinics all tend to pay higher salaries than hospitals, and provide working environments that are better suited to some LVN’s tastes than the hectic pace and irregular schedule demanded by hospital work.
Location, Location, Location
If you are concerned that LVN salaries are too low in your part of California, you may want to consider relocating to one of the state’s metropolitan centers. On average, the closer you work to the Bay Area, Los Angeles, Sacramento and San Diego, the more money you will earn. In most cases, LVNs in these cities earn anywhere from 5% to 20% more than their peers in other cities.
On the other hand, the flip side to this equation is that you will also run into far more competition for jobs, and need to account for a higher cost of living in those areas. Higher living expenses alone generally account for this difference in LVN salary in California, so it’s important to factor this into your decision before packing your bags and moving.
Recommended LVN Programs in California!
Programs:
- Licensed Vocational Nurse
- Certified Nursing Assistant
American Career College (ACC) offers hands-on training that will prepare students for careers in the healthcare industry at three campuses in Los Angeles, Ontario, and Orange County, California. ACC's programs combine classroom lectures and hands-on training to prepare students for a Diploma or Associate of Occupational Science degree.
Programs:
- Vocational Nursing
- Medical Assistant
Capella is an accredited, online university where you'll experience unparalleled support, join a community of accomplished professionals, and be challenged with rigorous academics. Learn more about our online doctoral, master’s, MBA, undergraduate, and certificate programs by answer a short form.
Programs:
- MSN - General Nursing (CCNE-accredited)
- MSN - RN-to-MSN General Nursing (CCNE-accredited)
- MSN - RN-to-MSN Gerontology Nursing
- And more...
Programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Programs:
- AS in Vocational Nursing
- Certificate in Vocational Nursing
- Certificate in Medical Assisting
- And more...
You can prepare for a new career with help from Charter College. Our accelerated Bachelors Degree, Associates Degree, and Certificate programs are designed to help you complete your education as quickly as possible. We offer year-round classes and flexible scheduling - study anytime from anywhere. We provide students not only with the technical skills necessary for success, but also job search and placement assistance so you can find new opportunities after graduation.
Programs:
- Diploma - Vocational Nursing
- Diploma - Medical Assistant
- Certificate - Medical Assistant
For over 35 years, Keiser University has provided student-centered, quality career education. Keiser University Online offers degree programs online to prepare students for in-demand professions.
Programs:
- Nursing, MS
- Medical Assisting, AS (Online)
Programs:
- Vocational Nursing
- Medical Assistant
Pursue your education with The University of Texas Arlington. We offer a number of certificate, bachelors, and master's degree programs in the fields of education and nursing, plus general education courses for bachelor's degree completion.
Programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Explore a new career with Concorde Career College. We offer short-term programs in the fields of allied health, massage therapy, and nursing, including medical assisting, medical office administration, respiratory therapy, surgical technology, pharmacy technician, physical therapy assisting, occupational therapy assisting, practical nursing, vocational nursing, nursing bridge, dental assisting, and dental hygiene. Our focus is on hands-on skill-building, so you get real-life training and experience. We have 15 campuses located in and around major metro areas throughout California, Colorado, Florida, Missouri, Oregon, Tennessee, and Texas.
Programs:
- Vocational Nursing
- Medical Assistant
