LVN Salary in San Francisco California

LVN Pay in San Francisco & the Bay Area

Licensed Vocational Nurses, also called Licensed Practical Nurses, are in demand as never before. They assist doctors and registered nurses with basic medical needs like vital signs and injections. They also take care of the physical needs of patients.

Licensed Vocation Nurses are generally paid on an hourly basis. The base pay for an LVN is about $33.90 per hour, while the higher end is over $36.50 per hour. Most San Francisco LVN’s make about $37.65 per hour.

Sometimes, Licensed Vocational Nurses are paid based on an annual salary. Regardless of whether the pay is hourly or salary, the annual rate is about the same. On a national level, annually, the average LVN Salary is approximately $50,900. Entry level LVN Salary is about $58,900 per year, and well-experienced LVN’s can earn nearly $70,000 a year.

Why Does the LVN Salary in San Francisco Vary?

The pay rate varies based on a number of factors. The location impacts the median salary for Licensed Vocational Nurses. In some states, the pay is higher than others. The same is true in metropolitan areas.

For example, Connecticut has the highest LVN Salary at $72,300 per year. San Francisco has the highest LVN Salary in California for metropolitan areas with LVN’s receiving an average high pay of $69,670 per year.

The difference between a Licensed Vocational Nurse and a Licensed Practical Nurse is in the title alone. Both are lower level nursing licenses with virtually the same requirements for education and employment.

In the majority of the states, the title licensed as LPN, though in California (including San Francisco) and in Texas the title is licensed as LVN.

Any graduate of an accredited LVN program who passes the NCLEX-PN is awarded the title of LVN.

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics calculates the salary of Licensed Vocational Nurses from different sources. These sources include hospitals, schools, clinics, and nursing care facilities. In general, the statistics assume that LVN’s work an average of 40 hours a week and 2,080 hours a year.

Men and women interested in becoming a Licensed Vocational Nurse must meet several requirements in order to qualify for the training program. All potential trainees must have either a high school diploma or a GED. They must also be able to pass a criminal background check.

What Training is Needed to Become an LVN?

Training to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse requires one year of schooling in either a licensed vocational school or in a California Community College. Many Community Colleges have a 3 semester LVN program.

As part of the training, LVN students participate in hands-on patient care in a clinical setting. Once the classes are completed, the National Council Licensure Examination, or the NCLEX-PN, must be passed.

Most Licensed Vocational Nurses work in San Francisco nursing care facilities and hospitals. Some work in doctors’ offices and health clinics. The Bay Area has many clinics that specifically serve low income residents.

San Francisco LVN’s also work in home health agencies and employment agencies. Licensed Vocational Nurses may choose to work under contract as a traveling nurse either for a nursing employment agency or as a self-employed LVN.

LVN’s are typically expected to work 40 hours a week. However, the nature of the job often requires odd or extended hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays. As an example, LVN’s at the San Francisco VA Health Care System may work 3 twelve hour shifts a week. The last 4 hours of that 12 hour shift are paid at time-and-a-half. Those who choose to accept work during odd or extended hours see the benefits in their pay. Dedication to the job and passion for the work are often rewarded.