Atlantic City vs Princeton: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Atlantic City, NJ and Princeton, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Atlantic City, NJ | Princeton, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $73,092 | $81,261▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $35.15 | $39.07▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,325 | $64,324▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $67,743 | $74,691▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $80,290 | $93,353▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $86,114 | $99,284▲ |
| Total Employed | 750▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Princeton, 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 Princeton is $8,169 (11.18%). Princeton's median is +19.38% 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,Princeton spans $34,960. Princeton 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 4.82% more than Princeton ($70,539 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 Princeton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($81,261/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($99,284)
- ✓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 3.8% growth in Princeton over the same period.
Atlantic City, NJ
$52,590 (2019) → $69,150 (2025)
Princeton, NJ
$74,078 (2024) → $76,879 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Atlantic City, NJ
Princeton, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Atlantic City or Princeton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Atlantic City and Princeton?
Should I relocate from Atlantic City to Princeton as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Atlantic City vs Princeton?
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