How Much Does an LPN Make in New Jersey in 2026?

A typical LPN in New Jersey earns about $36.13 per hour, or $75,160 per year, according to the latest government wage data (May 2025). That breaks down to roughly $6,263 a month and about $1,445 a week, based on the annual figure. Pay varies by city, employer, and experience, but this figure represents the typical wage across the state.

New Jersey pay runs 17% above the national figure of $64,400 a year for LPNs. The state ranks 11th out of 51 states and territories for LPN pay. New Jersey employs about 17,410 LPNs, a workforce large enough to give these figures a solid statistical footing.

Entry-level LPN positions in New Jersey typically offer around $30.39 an hour, or about $63,210 a year, according to the same wage data. Pay tends to rise from there within the first few years on the job. Nurses who reach the typical wage level, $36.13 an hour, are generally past the entry stage. Location and setting both play a role in how quickly that happens.

Experienced LPNs in New Jersey often earn upwards of $41.06 an hour, and the top 10% of earners make over $85,400 a year. That's a spread of $22,190 between entry-level and top-tier pay. The gap usually comes down to years of experience, the type of facility, and which city or region the nurse works in.

New Jersey LPN pay has climbed steadily over the past decade, from $54,290 in 2015 to $75,160 in 2025. That's a gain of $20,870, or 38%, over ten years. The rise has been especially sharp since 2023, when pay jumped from $64,620 to $71,180 in a single year.

Nationally, LPN pay rose 49% over the same decade, faster than New Jersey's climb. Pay for New Jersey LPNs has moved up consistently year over year, with no single year showing a decline. For someone entering the field now, that record shows a history of rising pay, though it makes no promise about future years.

Pay runs highest in Jersey City, where LPNs typically earn $75,910 a year, about 1% above the statewide figure. Newark matches Jersey City's pay exactly, and Trenton and Princeton follow close behind at $75,380 a year. These figures cover each city's full metro area, not just the city limits.

Pay runs lowest in the Bethlehem area, where LPNs typically earn $64,050 a year, a spread of $11,860 between the highest- and lowest-paying areas in the state. Jersey City also has the largest LPN workforce, with 32,410 nurses. Lower pay in areas like Bethlehem and Easton usually tracks a lower cost of living compared with Jersey City or Newark.

New Jersey pays LPNs more than each of its neighbors. Pennsylvania trails furthest behind, with LPNs typically earning $63,940 a year, 15% less than New Jersey. New York and Delaware also pay less, at $67,180 and $68,710 a year, 11% and 9% below New Jersey's figure. Nursing licenses can often be transferred or endorsed between neighboring states, which can open up options for LPNs weighing a move.

LPN pay in New Jersey typically runs $75,160 a year, up 38% over the past decade and 17% above the national figure. That growth has been steady, with pay rising in nearly every year since 2015. For specific requirements, check New Jersey's nursing licensing or registry page; for local figures, see the city-specific pages for Jersey City, Newark, Trenton, and other New Jersey metro areas.