Atlantic City vs Paterson: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Atlantic City, NJ and Paterson, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Atlantic City, NJ | Paterson, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $73,092 | $78,363▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $35.15 | $37.67▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,325▲ | $61,387 |
| 25th Percentile | $67,743 | $72,057▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $80,290 | $95,779▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $86,114 | $104,002▲ |
| Total Employed | 750▲ | 31 |
Verdict
Paterson, NJ offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Atlantic City.
The salary gap between Atlantic City and Paterson is $5,271 (7.21%). Paterson's median is +15.12% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Atlantic City spans $22,789,Paterson spans $42,615. Paterson has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Atlantic City ($73,937 effective) pays 8.69% more than Paterson ($68,023 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Atlantic City if…
- ✓Larger job market (750 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,937)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Paterson if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($78,363/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($104,002)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Atlantic City grew 31.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -0.9% growth in Paterson over the same period.
Atlantic City, NJ
$52,590 (2019) → $69,150 (2025)
Paterson, NJ
$74,827 (2024) → $74,137 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Atlantic City, NJ
Paterson, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Atlantic City or Paterson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Atlantic City and Paterson?
Should I relocate from Atlantic City to Paterson as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Atlantic City vs Paterson?
Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov