Trenton vs Union City: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Trenton, NJ and Union City, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Trenton, NJ | Union City, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $79,677▲ | $77,339 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.31▲ | $37.19 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,422▲ | $62,639 |
| 25th Percentile | $72,140 | $72,453▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $84,380 | $92,534▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $85,501 | $101,682▲ |
| Total Employed | 880▲ | 17 |
Verdict
Trenton, NJ offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Union City.
The salary gap between Trenton and Union City is $2,338 (3.02%). Trenton's median is +17.05% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Trenton spans $19,079,Union City spans $39,043. Union City 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, Trenton ($77,221 effective) pays 15.02% more than Union City ($67,135 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Trenton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($79,677/year)
- ✓Larger job market (880 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,221)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Union City if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($101,682)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Trenton grew 30.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -0.9% growth in Union City over the same period.
Trenton, NJ
$57,850 (2019) → $75,380 (2025)
Union City, NJ
$73,850 (2024) → $73,168 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Trenton, NJ
Union City, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Trenton or Union City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Trenton and Union City?
Should I relocate from Trenton to Union City as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Trenton vs Union City?
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