LPN Salary

Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Montclair, NJ: $61,245 (2026)

Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Montclair, NJ job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $61,245 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Montclair's local price level (BEA RPP 115.215% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $53,164 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($77,644) within a few years of clinical practice.

$61,245
Starting Salary
$29.45/hr
Starting Hourly
$61,245
Entry Level
$77,644
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Licensed Practical Nurse Entry Level Salary in Montclair, NJ — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Montclair, NJ licensed practical nurse entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

A promising opportunity awaits new graduates entering the field of practical nursing in Montclair, NJ, where the projected starting licensed practical nurse salary is approximately $61,245 in 2026. For those just beginning their careers, this figure is a stepping stone towards the median annual salary of $77,644. While there's a notable gap between entry-level pay and the overall median, the trajectory for early-career nurses is positive, as they can expect growth from the entry-level range to the P25 salary of $74,454 within the first few years. Montclair offers a conducive environment for new LPNs, bolstered by ongoing demand in healthcare services and a relatively competitive salary structure compared to national averages. With a growth rate of 5.70% annual, the area appears to be a viable market for those looking to establish their careers.

About the Montclair Market

Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Montclair

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$61,245/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$74,454/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$77,644/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$89,161/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Montclair

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for licensed practical nurses in Montclair. The median salary is $77,644, compared to the national median of $68,071.$55.1K$66.3K$77.5K$88.7K$99.9K$61.2K10th Pctl$74.5K25th Pctl$77.6KMedian$89.2K75th Pctl$95.2K90th PctlUS Median$68.1K

Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Montclair, NJ typically start between $61,245 and $74,454 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $33,944 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $77,64414.06% above the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of licensed practical nurse pay in the Montclair metro area.

Return on Investment

$18,000
Avg NJ Program Cost
$61,245
Starting Salary
29.39%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average nursing program cost in New Jersey of $18,000 represents just 29.39% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($61,245/year) in Montclair. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.

Program cost estimates based on state board of nursing-approved practical nursing programs and ACEN-accredited certificate pathways. Tuition varies by community college, technical school, or hospital-based program setting.

LPN Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Montclair

  • 1Research the Montclair market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $61,245 to $74,454, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
  • 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the nursing field — employers in NJ often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Montclair, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
  • 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Montclair for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Factor in Montclair's above-average cost of living (index: 115.2) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.

Licensed Practical Nurse Compensation Range

The licensed practical nurse wage spread in Montclair is $33,944 ( 55.42%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $61,245, experienced hygienists can earn up to $95,189.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$40,259

2025 BLS Actual

$57,942

2026 Current Est.

$61,245

2019–2027 Growth

+60.8%

Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Montclair (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for licensed practical nurses in Montclair. Baseline $40,259 in 2025, projected to $64,736 by 2027.$35.4K$43.9K$52.5K$61.1K$69.6K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$40.3K$41.4K$43.3K$47.2K$53.2K$58.3K$57.9K$61.2K$64.7K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$40,259Actual
2020$41,435Actual
2021$43,276Actual
2022$47,167Actual
2023$53,201Actual
2024$58,250Actual
2025$57,942Actual
2026(current)$61,245Estimated
2027$64,736Projected

Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Montclair, NJ grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $40,259 in 2019 to $57,942 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $64,736. New graduates entering the Montclair job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Montclair metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.70% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.

Starting Your nursing Career in Montclair

In Montclair, various healthcare employers actively hire new licensed practical nurse graduates, offering diverse opportunities in different settings. Skilled nursing facilities frequently recruit entry-level LPNs, providing orientation programs that ease the transition into professional roles. Home health agencies are appealing for their flexible scheduling, accommodating those who value work-life balance. Meanwhile, physician offices may prefer candidates with specific clinic exposure, emphasizing the importance of tailored experience. To enhance entry-level salaries, clinicians should consider crucial credentials, such as holding an active LPN license and completing a practical nursing diploma from an accredited program. Additional certifications in IV therapy or wound care can further elevate earning potential. New graduates should be aware that the initial years often present opportunities for further education, such as LPN-to-RN bridge programs, which not only expand career options but also facilitate substantial salary increases as the market increasingly prioritizes nursing roles at higher levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for licensed practical nurses in Montclair in 2026?

Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Montclair start at approximately $61,245/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.70% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $29.44/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do licensed practical nurse salaries grow in Montclair?

Most licensed practical nurses in Montclair progress from the entry-level salary of $61,245 to the area median of $77,644 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $95,189 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is nursing school worth it in Montclair?

With a starting salary of $61,245/year in Montclair and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new licensed practical nurses recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new licensed practical nurses make right out of school in Montclair?

New nursing graduates in Montclair typically start near the 10th percentile at $61,245/year, or approximately $29.44/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a licensed practical nurse in New Jersey?

To become a licensed licensed practical nurse in New Jersey, you typically need practical nursing diploma or certificate and passing the nclex-pn exam., then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including New Jersey, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some licensed practical nurses pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in New Jersey

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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.

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

Methodology & Data Source

Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new nursing graduates. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Montclair. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Montclair is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.70%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for licensed practical nurses (SOC 29-2061).

Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov

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