Princeton vs Trenton: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Princeton, NJ and Trenton, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Princeton, NJ | Trenton, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,261▲ | $79,677 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.07▲ | $38.31 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,324 | $66,422▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $74,691▲ | $72,140 |
| 75th Percentile | $93,353▲ | $84,380 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $99,284▲ | $85,501 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 880▲ |
Verdict
Princeton, NJ offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Trenton.
The salary gap between Princeton and Trenton is $1,584 (1.99%). 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 Princeton spans $34,960,Trenton spans $19,079. Princeton has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Trenton ($77,221 effective) pays 9.47% 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 Princeton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($81,261/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($99,284)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Trenton if…
- ✓Larger job market (880 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,221)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Princeton grew 3.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.3% growth in Trenton over the same period.
Princeton, NJ
$74,078 (2024) → $76,879 (2025)
Trenton, NJ
$57,850 (2019) → $75,380 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Princeton, NJ
Trenton, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Princeton or Trenton?
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Should I relocate from Princeton to Trenton as a licensed practical nurse?
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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