LPN Salary

Trenton vs West New York: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)

Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Trenton, NJ and West New York, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Trenton, NJ
$79,677
$38.31/hr
West New York, NJ
$78,034
$37.51/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricTrenton, NJWest New York, NJ
Median Salary$79,677$78,034
Hourly Rate$38.31$37.51
Entry Level (P10)$66,422$57,998
25th Percentile$72,140$69,262
75th Percentile$84,380$91,291
Top Earner (P90)$85,501$98,839
Total Employed88010
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Trenton ($79,677) and West New York ($78,034) licensed practical nurse salaries.TrentonWest New YorkMedian Salary$79,677$78,034Entry Level (P10)$66,422$57,998Top Earner (P90)$85,501$98,839US Median $68,071

Verdict

Trenton, NJ offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to West New York.

The salary gap between Trenton and West New York is $1,643 (2.11%). 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,West New York spans $40,841. West New York has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.

Trenton
P10 (Entry)$66,422
P25$72,140
Median$79,677
P75$84,380
P90 (Top)$85,501
West New York
P10 (Entry)$57,998
P25$69,262
Median$78,034
P75$91,291
P90 (Top)$98,839

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Trenton ($77,221 effective) pays 14.00% more than West New York ($67,738 effective).

Trenton
Nominal: $79,677
CoL Index: 103.18
Adjusted: $77,221
West New York
Nominal: $78,034
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $67,738

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 West New York if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($98,839)
  • 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 West New York over the same period.

Trenton, NJ

+30.3%

$57,850 (2019) → $75,380 (2025)

West New York, NJ

+-0.9%

$74,514 (2024) → $73,826 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Trenton or West New York?

Trenton has a higher median licensed practical nurse salary at $79,677/year, compared to West New York at $78,034/year — a difference of $1,643 (2.11%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Trenton and West New York?

Trenton licensed practical nurses earn $38.31/hr while West New York hygienists earn $37.51/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Trenton to West New York as a licensed practical nurse?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Trenton and West New York. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Trenton = $77,221, West New York = $67,738), job availability (880 vs 10 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Trenton vs West New York?

Entry-level (10th percentile) licensed practical nurses earn $66,422 in Trenton and $57,998 in West New York. The Trenton area offers higher starting salaries.
AM

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.

Clinically reviewed by Daniel Thompson, LPNData verified by Maria Gonzalez, LPN

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