How to Become a Licensed Vocational Nurse in California (2026)
California employs about 82,850 licensed vocational nurses earning a median $79,750 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Training as a Licensed Vocational Nurse here means completing a state-approved practical or vocational nursing program, the NCLEX-PN, and state LPN or LVN licensure, then applying through Department of Consumer Affairs - Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians.
Compare Licensed Vocational Nurse Schools in California
| # | School | BOC Score (0–100) | Tuition | Median grad earnings (all majors) | Graduation rate | Online | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Santa Barbara City College | 56.7 | Contact school for pricing | $63,514 | 34% | Yes* | 72 mi |
| 2 | Allan Hancock College | 55.3 | Contact school for pricing | $55,202 | 27% | Yes* | 61 mi |
| 3 | Cuesta College | 55.2 | Contact school for pricing | $57,231 | 46% | Yes* | 83 mi |
| 4 | Career Care Institute | 45.6 | Contact school for pricing | $44,045 | 72% | — | 93 mi |
| 5 | San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia | 45.3 | Contact school for pricing | $42,211 | 35% | Yes* | 63 mi |
| 6 | Porterville College | 44.8 | $1,438 - $20,730 | $36,940 | 32% | Yes* | 51 mi |
| 7 | Glendale Career College-North-West College-Bakersfield | 42.1 | Contact school for pricing | $48,064 | 50% | — | 28 mi |
| 8 | Reedley College | 41.6 | $1,334 - $16,881 | $42,644 | 42% | — | 81 mi |
| 9 | Antelope Valley Community College District | 40.9 | Contact school for pricing | $46,723 | 33% | — | 92 mi |
| 10 | San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield | 39.0 | Contact school for pricing | $42,211 | 52% | — | 26 mi |
Schools closest to the page's primary location are gathered first, then ranked by BOC Score; distance from the page's primary location is shown for reference. The BOC Score is an independent measure of school outcomes (graduation, earnings, net price, retention) expressed as a 0–100 percentile within each school's peer group; higher is better and advertising never affects it. *Online availability refers to coursework; hands-on trade training is completed in person. Read the full methodology.
California employs approximately 82,850 licensed vocational nurses according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $79,750 1. Nationally, licensed vocational nurse employment is projected to grow 2.6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 54,400 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse in California, including licensing requirements, training programs, and salary data.
At a Glance
- Training paths: state-approved practical or vocational nursing program (find programs)
- Typical timeline: a state-approved practical or vocational nursing program, the NCLEX-PN, and state LPN or LVN licensure
- Licensing authority: Department of Consumer Affairs - Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians
- Exam: NCLEX-PN
- Median wage (California): $79,750 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become a Licensed Vocational Nurse in California
How to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse in California? Complete a state-approved practical or vocational nursing program, the NCLEX-PN, and state LPN or LVN licensure. Apply through Department of Consumer Affairs - Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians.
How long does it take? Most people finish a state-approved practical or vocational nursing program, the NCLEX-PN, and state LPN or LVN licensure. Confirm current hour totals with the program and Department of Consumer Affairs - Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians.
Do I need a license in California? Yes. California credentials this role through Department of Consumer Affairs - Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians 3. See the licensing section below.
What do licensed vocational nurses earn in California? The median annual wage for licensed vocational nurses in California is $79,750 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $64,390 and experienced professionals can earn $100,450 or more 1.
How to Become a Licensed Vocational Nurse in California
- Meet program entry rules. Approved practical or vocational nursing programs in California typically require a high school diploma or GED. Confirm current age and prerequisite rules with the program and Department of Consumer Affairs - Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians.
- Complete a state-approved PN or VN program. Finish a board-approved practical or vocational nursing program in California. This is not a registered apprenticeship.
- Pass the NCLEX-PN. Apply to Department of Consumer Affairs - Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians for authorization to test, then pass the NCLEX-PN. An RN exam does not substitute.
- Apply for LPN or LVN licensure. Obtain the practical or vocational nursing license from Department of Consumer Affairs - Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians before practicing. Confirm reciprocity with the board.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.
Licensed Vocational Nurse License Requirements in California
California licenses practical and vocational nurses through Department of Consumer Affairs - Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians. The path is an approved PN or VN program, the NCLEX-PN, and a state LPN or LVN license. Some states use the LVN title; others use LPN. See Department of Consumer Affairs - Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians 3.
Typical path
Meet the program’s entry rules.
Complete a state-approved practical or vocational nursing program.
Pass the NCLEX-PN.
Apply to Department of Consumer Affairs - Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians for LPN or LVN licensure.
Hour totals, fees, and reciprocity rules change. Confirm current requirements with Department of Consumer Affairs - Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians before you enroll.
Licensed Vocational Nurse Wages by Metro Area in California
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Wages by Metro Area in California
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses wages in California vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | 33,590 | $79,310 | $80,810 | $64,200 | $96,630 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | 8,800 | $94,310 | $93,470 | $75,900 | $109,120 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario | 8,200 | $76,970 | $76,950 | $62,480 | $93,180 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | 6,610 | $79,720 | $81,130 | $64,950 | $96,390 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom | 4,760 | $81,570 | $85,030 | $65,670 | $104,880 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | 3,290 | $95,320 | $94,420 | $77,320 | $113,220 |
| Fresno | 2,360 | $75,580 | $75,770 | $62,160 | $94,420 |
| Bakersfield-Delano | 1,480 | $76,130 | $75,520 | $62,070 | $91,460 |
| Stockton-Lodi | 1,430 | $77,830 | $78,800 | $63,390 | $96,150 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura | 1,230 | $79,020 | $80,620 | $64,530 | $95,270 |
| Modesto | 1,120 | $78,200 | $79,670 | $61,940 | $102,830 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma | 870 | $92,580 | $90,480 | $74,280 | $110,300 |
| Vallejo | 870 | $85,430 | $87,980 | $68,730 | $106,490 |
| Visalia | 830 | $73,540 | $72,330 | $61,070 | $89,270 |
| Salinas | 710 | $80,910 | $81,790 | $64,340 | $96,370 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | 650 | $79,010 | $79,700 | $65,410 | $95,650 |
| Redding | 510 | $74,140 | $74,240 | $60,460 | $91,900 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles | 440 | $79,940 | $82,160 | $65,690 | $107,280 |
| Chico | 380 | $78,750 | $78,110 | $63,470 | $92,660 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville | 340 | $81,000 | $83,910 | $64,510 | $101,820 |
| Yuba City | 330 | $78,260 | $77,700 | $64,750 | $90,770 |
| Hanford-Corcoran | 310 | $77,650 | $74,880 | $63,760 | $77,960 |
| El Centro | 300 | $74,710 | $74,210 | $62,140 | $91,180 |
| Merced | 300 | $75,890 | $73,720 | $61,840 | $83,200 |
| Napa | 280 | $83,690 | $89,950 | $69,520 | $117,680 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for licensed vocational nurses in California? California currently employs approximately 82,850 licensed vocational nurses 1. Nationally, licensed vocational nurse employment is projected to grow 2.6% from 2024 to 2034 2.
Can I work as a licensed vocational nurse in California with an out-of-state license? Contact the Department of Consumer Affairs - Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.
What training programs are available in California? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and state-approved training programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in California.
How much do licensed vocational nurses earn in California compared to the national average? The median annual wage for licensed vocational nurses in California is $79,750, which is $17,410 above the national median of $62,340 according to BLS data 1.
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Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Department of Consumer Affairs - Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians - Licensing Information: https://www.bvnpt.ca.gov/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |