Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in New Jersey
Based on 17K+ workers in New Jersey
Median Annual Salary (NJ)
$75,160
$36.13/hr
vs National Average
$66,740
+12.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$63K – $85K
17K employed in New Jersey
The median Licensed Practical Nurse salary in New Jersey is $75,160 annually, placing it significantly above the national average by 13%. This figure reflects a robust job market, with an estimated 17,410 LPNs employed across the state, experiencing a salary range between $63,210 and $85,400.
Several factors influence the Licensed Practical Nurse salary in New Jersey, including years of experience, the specific healthcare facility, and geographical location within the state, with urban areas often offering higher compensation. Demand for skilled nursing care, specialized certifications, and the acuity of patient populations also play a crucial role in determining earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Licensed Practical Nurse in New Jersey
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $63,210 |
| 25th percentile | $66,890 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $75,160 |
| 75th percentile | $79,980 |
| 90th percentile | $85,400 |
Top-Paying Industries for Licensed Practical Nurse (U.S.)
Which industries pay Licensed Practical Nurses the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Licensed Practical Nurses in New Jersey tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative and Support Services | $77,310 | 30K |
| Finance and Insurance | $72,720 | 1K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $68,970 | 37K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $67,980 | 1K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $64,860 | 2K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Licensed Practical Nurse in New Jersey vs National
| Year | Median Salary (New Jersey) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $61,460 |
| 2023 | $64,620 |
| 2024 | $71,180 |
| 2025 | $75,160 |
| 2026 (projected) | $79,363 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | New Jersey Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $61,460 | $54,982 |
| 2023 | $64,620 | $60,153 |
| 2024 | $71,180 | $63,623 |
| 2025 | $75,160 | $66,740 |
| 2026 (projected) | $79,363 | $70,472 |
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary by Experience Level in New Jersey
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $66,890 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $75,160 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $79,980 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $85,400 |
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Other States
Related Licensed Practical Nurse Salaries in New Jersey
How other high-demand occupations in New Jersey compare to Licensed Practical Nurse ($75,160 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Licensed Practical Nurse | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiologist in NJ | $482,700 | +542.2% | $232.07/hr |
| Surgeon in NJ | $437,890 | +482.6% | $210.52/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in NJ | $315,340 | +319.6% | $151.61/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in NJ | $292,170 | +288.7% | $140.47/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in NJ | $291,350 | +287.6% | $140.07/hr |
| Cardiologist in NJ | $286,540 | +281.2% | $137.76/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in NJ | $228,870 | +204.5% | $110.03/hr |
| Pediatrician in NJ | $201,560 | +168.2% | $96.90/hr |
| Psychiatrist in NJ | $194,070 | +158.2% | $93.30/hr |
| Dentist in NJ | $171,330 | +128.0% | $82.37/hr |
| Physician Assistant in NJ | $165,690 | +120.4% | $79.66/hr |
| Podiatrist in NJ | $160,300 | +113.3% | $77.07/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) make in New Jersey?
- The median salary for a Licensed Practical Nurse in New Jersey is $75,160 per year, which breaks down to approximately $36 per hour. This means that half of all LPNs in the state earn more than this amount, while the other half earn less.
What is the salary range for LPNs in New Jersey?
- In New Jersey, the typical salary range for a Licensed Practical Nurse falls between $63,210 and $85,400 annually. This range represents the lower and upper bounds of what most LPNs in the state can expect to earn.
Is the average LPN salary in New Jersey higher than the national average?
- Yes, the average Licensed Practical Nurse salary in New Jersey is significantly higher than the national average, by about 12.6%. This means LPNs in New Jersey are earning more than their counterparts in many other parts of the country.
How many LPNs are employed in New Jersey?
- There are approximately 17,410 Licensed Practical Nurses currently employed in New Jersey. This indicates a substantial demand for LPNs within the state's healthcare system.