Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Compton, CA

The Salary Picture: Where Compton Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Compton isn't the first city that comes to mind for healthcare careers, but that's precisely why it's an opportunity. The healthcare market here is less saturated than in coastal cities like Santa Monica or Long Beach, which means you have leverage. Let's talk numbers.

First, the baseline: the median salary for an LPN in Compton is $57,159/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.48/hour. This is a solid figure, especially when you consider the national average for LPNs is $54,620/year. You're already ahead of the curve just by working in this metro area. The job market itself is stable, with 182 LPN positions currently open in the metro, and a 10-year job growth projection of 5%, which is in line with the national average. This isn't a boomtown, but it's a reliable, steady field.

To understand what this means for your career, let's break it down by experience. This isn't just about years on the clock; it's about the specific skills you bring from working in Compton's diverse and high-acuity patient population.

Experience-Level Salary Breakdown

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Skills & Setting in Compton
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$48,000 - $53,000	Skilled nursing facilities, home health, dialysis clinics. Focus on fundamentals, medication administration, and wound care.
Mid-Level (2-5 yrs)	$57,000 - $65,000	Hospital settings (We are a Level II Trauma center), specialty clinics (oncology, cardiology), school nursing. You manage complex cases.
Senior (5-10 yrs)	$66,000 - $75,000	Charge nurse roles, clinical supervisor, long-term care management. You lead teams and coordinate care.
Expert (10+ yrs)	$75,000+	Director of Nursing, clinical educator, consultant. You shape policy and train the next generation.

How Compton Stacks Up to Other CA Cities

Compton offers a unique value proposition. It's not cheap, but it's not San Francisco. Your salary goes further here than in many other parts of the state, especially when you factor in the lower cost of living compared to the Bay Area or Orange County.

City	Median LPN Salary	Avg. 1BR Rent	Cost of Living Index
Compton	$57,159	$2,252	115.5
Los Angeles	$58,300	$2,400	143.2
San Diego	$56,200	$2,300	142.2
Bakersfield	$54,100	$1,400	99.8
San Francisco	$68,400	$3,500	269.3

While San Francisco offers a much higher salary ($68,400), the cost of living is more than double. In Bakersfield, rent is significantly lower, but so is the salary ($54,100). Compton sits in a sweet spot: you earn a competitive wage while your housing costs are manageable relative to your income, especially if you're strategic about where you live.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get brutally practical. A median salary of $57,159 is a great starting point, but what does it mean for your day-to-day life in Compton?

Assumptions for a Single Filer (2023 Tax Rates):

• Federal Tax: ~$4,800
• FICA (7.65%): ~$4,370
• CA State Tax: ~$2,100
• Total Estimated Annual Tax: ~$11,270
• Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$3,823

Now, let's build a monthly budget based on Compton's realities. This is a no-frills, functional budget.

Expense Category	Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$2,252	Citywide average. This is your biggest hurdle.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water)	$180	Varies by season; summer AC is a killer.
Internet & Phone	$120	Basic package.
Car Payment & Insurance	$450	This is critical. Public transit is limited for healthcare shifts.
Gas	$150	Commuting to hospitals or multiple facilities.
Groceries	$400	Compton has excellent markets (Stater Bros, local carnecerías).
Health Insurance (if not employer)	$250	Varies wildly.
Student Loan / Savings	$200	Any amount helps.
Total Essential Expenses	$4,002	You are in a deficit of $179/month.

Insider Tip: The numbers above are a wake-up call, not a reason to panic. This budget assumes you're living alone. The most common solution I see among healthcare workers here is having a roommate. Renting a 2BR for $2,800 and splitting it ($1,400/person) immediately puts you in the green. Alternatively, living in a neighboring city like Carson or Lakewood can sometimes offer better value, though commute times increase.

Can You Afford to Buy a Home?
It's tough, but not impossible. The median home price in Compton is around $650,000. With a $57,159 salary, you'd need significant savings for a down payment and would likely be priced out of the city for a single-family home on your own. However, Compton has active first-time homebuyer programs. Two nurses with dual incomes or a substantial down payment could make it work. It's a long-term goal, not an immediate reality for most LPNs starting here.

Where the Jobs Are: Compton's Major Employers

Compton's healthcare ecosystem is anchored by a few major players, but there are also dozens of smaller, high-opportunity facilities. Here’s where you apply.

1. St. Francis Medical Center: A Level II Trauma center and the biggest game in town. It's a major employer for LPNs in Med-Surg, Telemetry, and the ER. Hiring is constant, but competition is fierce. They value experience and certifications like BLS, ACLS, and PALS.
2. Kaiser Permanente (Compton Medical Offices): While the main hospital is in South LA, Kaiser's Compton clinic is a hub for outpatient care, chronic disease management, and pediatric nursing. Excellent benefits and union representation (SEIU-UHW).
3. Centinela Hospital Medical Center (Inglewood): Just a 10-minute drive from Compton, this is another major hospital with a high volume of patients. Many Compton residents work here. It's known for its heart and vascular institute.
4. Long-Term Care Facilities: This is a huge sector. Compton Healthcare Center and St. Francis Villa are major nursing homes that are almost always hiring LPNs for day, evening, and overnight shifts. Shift differentials can add $3-$5/hour to your base rate.
5. Home Health Agencies: Companies like Compton Visiting Nurse Association and Amedisys serve the large population of seniors and disabled residents. This offers more autonomy but requires your own reliable vehicle.
6. Dialysis Clinics (DaVita, Fresenius): Located on or near the Artesia Blvd corridor, these clinics have a high turnover and constant need for LPNs. The work is specialized but offers a predictable M-F schedule.
7. Los Angeles County Department of Health Services: This includes clinics and correctional health facilities. The Compton Health Center and LAC+USC Medical Center (nearby) offer stable government jobs with great pensions.

Hiring Trends: Post-pandemic, there's been a push for LPNs in outpatient and community health settings. If you have experience with telehealth, diabetic education, or wound care, you're even more marketable. The gig economy is also impacting home health, with more contract positions available.

Getting Licensed in CA

California's licensing process is strict but straightforward. If you're moving from another state, start the process at least 3-4 months before your intended move date.

1. NCLEX-PN Exam: You must pass this national exam. If you're already licensed in another state, you likely already have it.
2. California Licensure by Endorsement: This is for out-of-state LPNs. You'll apply through the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT).
   • Costs: Application fee: $250. Fingerprints: $75. Total: ~$325 (plus any costs for transcripts, etc.).
   • Requirements: Proof of an active, clean license from another state, official school transcripts, and a completed application. California requires a 30-hour IV therapy course if your original program didn't include it. This is a mandatory add-on for $200-$400 at many community colleges.
3. Timeline: Processing can take 8-12 weeks. Use this time to apply for jobs and secure a start date contingent on your California license.
4. Continuing Education (CE): You need 30 hours of CE every 2 years for license renewal. Many employers offer free CE courses. The California Association for Licensed Practical Nurses (CALPN) is a great resource for local CE events.

Insider Tip: The BVNPT website is your bible. They are notoriously meticulous. Double and triple-check every document. A missing signature can delay your application by weeks.

Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPNs)

Where you live will define your commute, your budget, and your quality of life. Compton is diverse, and each area has a different feel.

1. Central Compton: The Heart of the City.
   • Commute: You could bike or walk to St. Francis Medical Center. Minimal traffic.
   • Lifestyle: Authentic, vibrant, with a strong sense of community. Close to the Compton Transit Center.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,900 - $2,200/month for a 1BR. Best value for proximity to work.
2. East Compton (near the Artesia Blvd corridor): The Commercial Hub.
   • Commute: Easy access to I-110 and I-405 for jobs in Inglewood, Torrance, or Long Beach.
   • Lifestyle: More suburban feel with larger apartment complexes and shopping centers. Quieter than Central.
   • Rent Estimate: $2,100 - $2,400/month.
3. North Compton (near Rosecrans Ave): The Gateway.
   • Commute: Excellent access to the 110 Freeway, putting you in Downtown LA or Carson in 20 minutes.
   • Lifestyle: Mix of residential and light industrial. Good for those who want a quicker commute out of the area.
   • Rent Estimate: $2,000 - $2,300/month.
4. West Compton (near the 91 Freeway): The Transitional Zone.
   • Commute: Direct access to the 91, which is a key artery to Orange County hospitals if you're willing to commute.
   • Lifestyle: More residential, with pockets of older homes and newer apartments.
   • Rent Estimate: $2,100 - $2,500/month.
5. Outside the City: Carson & Lakewood
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to Compton hospitals. A very common choice for healthcare workers.
   • Lifestyle: More traditional suburbia, better-rated schools, larger parks.
   • Rent Estimate: $2,400 - $2,800/month for a 1BR. You pay a premium for the zip code.

The Long Game: Career Growth

An LPN license in California is a powerful tool. The path to growth is clear if you're strategic.

• Specialty Certifications: These are your key to higher pay. In Compton, the most valuable are:
  • IV Therapy Certification: Mandatory for many hospital and clinic roles in CA.
  • Gerontology: Critical for the booming senior population. Can add a 5-8% salary premium.
  • Wound Care Certification (WCC): High demand in long-term care and home health.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. LPN to RN Bridge: This is the most common path. Local programs at Compton College or Cerritos College are affordable and respected. An RN license can boost your salary to $85,000+ in the area.
  2. Clinical Leadership: Become a Charge Nurse, Unit Manager, or Clinical Educator. You'll need leadership training and strong interpersonal skills.
  3. Niche Specialties: Move into dialysis, hospice, or occupational health. These fields often pay more and have better work-life balance.
• 10-Year Outlook: With the 5% growth rate, demand will remain steady. The aging population in Compton and surrounding areas guarantees job security. However, the field will become more tech-integrated. LPNs who are comfortable with electronic health records (EHR) and telehealth platforms will have an edge.

The Verdict: Is Compton Right for You?

Compton presents a specific set of trade-offs. It's not for everyone, but for the right person, it's an excellent launchpad for a nursing career.

Pros	Cons
Competitive Salary relative to cost of living ($57,159 vs. national $54,620).	High Rent Burden—a single LPN will struggle to budget comfortably alone.
High Demand & Job Security—a stable market with 182 openings and 5% growth.	Traffic & Commute—public transit is limited; a car is a mandatory expense.
Diverse & High-Acuity Patient Population—excellent for building a robust clinical skill set.	Perception & Reality—Compton has a challenging reputation; you must be street-smart and resilient.
Proximity to Major Healthcare Hubs—easy access to jobs in LA, Long Beach, and the South Bay.	Limited "Lifestyle" Amenities—fewer high-end restaurants, boutiques, or entertainment options.

Final Recommendation:
Compton is an excellent choice for a new LPN looking to build experience quickly without being drowned by the cost of living in coastal LA. It's also a great spot for experienced LPNs who want to transition into leadership or education in a less saturated market. If you are a single income earner, be prepared for a roommate situation. If you are a couple or a family with a dual income, Compton offers an affordable entry point into the Southern California healthcare scene with real career growth potential.

FAQs

Q: I'm moving from Texas. Is my license transferable?
A: Yes, via Licensure by Endorsement. California does not have reciprocity, but as long as your Texas license is active and in good standing, you can apply. Start the BVNPT application immediately.

Q: Is it safe to work night shifts in Compton?
A: Hospitals and large facilities have secure parking and security personnel. If you work in a skilled nursing facility or home health, be aware of your surroundings. Many nurses carpool or use well-lit, designated parking areas. It's a practical concern, but manageable with standard urban safety precautions.

Q: What is the typical interview process for a hospital job here?
A: At St. Francis or Centinela, expect a panel interview with a manager, a charge nurse, and an HR rep. They will ask behavioral questions based on the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Have specific examples ready, especially about handling difficult patients or working in diverse teams.

Q: Can I afford to live in Compton on the median salary if I have a family?
A: It would be extremely difficult on one LPN salary. You would need a second income or significant savings for childcare. Many healthcare families in Compton rely on dual incomes or have grandparents providing childcare. It's a community-oriented city where family support networks are strong.

Q: Are there opportunities for LPNs to work in schools?
A: Yes. The Compton Unified School District employs LPNs for health offices. It's a coveted schedule (summers off) but the pay is often slightly lower than hospital work. Networking with district HR is key.