LPN Salary

Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Mount Laurel, NJ: $60,801 (2026)

Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Mount Laurel, NJ job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $60,801 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Mount Laurel's local price level (BEA RPP 115.215% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $52,779 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($74,803) within a few years of clinical practice.

$60,801
Starting Salary
$29.23/hr
Starting Hourly
$60,801
Entry Level
$74,803
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

For new graduates entering the practical nursing field in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, the starting licensed practical nurse salary in 2026 is projected to be around $60,801. This figure represents the lower tenth percentile and illustrates the starting expectations for entry-level positions. When compared to the median annual salary of $74,803 for all licensed practical nurses in the city, there exists a noticeable gap that early-career professionals should keep in mind. Over the first few years, LPNs can realistically expect to move from this entry-level pay to around $70,002 at the 25th percentile, eventually working their way towards the median as they gain experience and further qualifications. This growth trajectory suggests that Mount Laurel is a relatively good market for new grads, particularly given the expected 5.70% annual growth rate in the field.

About the Mount Laurel Market

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

Career Earnings Timeline in Mount Laurel

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$60,801/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$70,002/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$74,803/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$87,072/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mount Laurel

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for licensed practical nurses in Mount Laurel. The median salary is $74,803, compared to the national median of $68,071.$54.7K$65.5K$76.4K$87.2K$98.0K$60.8K10th Pctl$70.0K25th Pctl$74.8KMedian$87.1K75th Pctl$93.4K90th PctlUS Median$68.1K

Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Mount Laurel, NJ typically start between $60,801 and $70,002 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $32,554 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $74,8039.89% above the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$18,000
Avg NJ Program Cost
$60,801
Starting Salary
29.60%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average nursing program cost in New Jersey of $18,000 represents just 29.60% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($60,801/year) in Mount Laurel. 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 Mount Laurel

  • 1Research the Mount Laurel market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $60,801 to $70,002, 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 Mount Laurel, 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 Mount Laurel for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Factor in Mount Laurel'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 Mount Laurel is $32,554 ( 53.54%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $60,801, experienced hygienists can earn up to $93,355.

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

2019 BLS Actual

$39,967

2025 BLS Actual

$57,522

2026 Current Est.

$60,801

2019–2027 Growth

+60.8%

Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Mount Laurel (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 Mount Laurel. Baseline $39,967 in 2025, projected to $64,266 by 2027.$35.1K$43.6K$52.1K$60.6K$69.1K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$40.0K$41.1K$43.0K$46.8K$52.8K$57.8K$57.5K$60.8K$64.3K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$39,967Actual
2020$41,135Actual
2021$42,962Actual
2022$46,825Actual
2023$52,815Actual
2024$57,834Actual
2025$57,522Actual
2026(current)$60,801Estimated
2027$64,266Projected

Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Mount Laurel, NJ grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $39,967 in 2019 to $57,522 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $64,266. New graduates entering the Mount Laurel job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mount Laurel 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 Mount Laurel

Employers in Mount Laurel that often hire new LPN graduates include skilled nursing facilities, which typically provide thorough on-the-job training, making them an excellent option for new LPNs eager to start their careers. Home health agencies may also appeal to recent graduates as they tend to offer flexible shifts and the chance to work directly with patients in their homes. Those applying to physician offices might find themselves at an advantage if they possess specific clinical experience, which can sometimes be gained through internships or externships during their training. To enhance starting salaries in New Jersey, candidates should aim to maintain an active LPN license issued by the state board of nursing, complete a practical nursing diploma from an approved program, and pass the NCLEX-PN. Furthermore, acquiring additional certifications, such as IV therapy or wound care, can increase an entry-level nurse’s marketability and earning potential. As the professional landscape evolves, strategy for the first few years may include pursuing LPN-to-RN bridge programs, as many hospitals have moved towards an all-RN staffing model, making upward mobility in long-term care critical for continued career growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Mount Laurel start at approximately $60,801/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 $29.23/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 Mount Laurel?

Most licensed practical nurses in Mount Laurel progress from the entry-level salary of $60,801 to the area median of $74,803 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $93,355 (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 Mount Laurel?

With a starting salary of $60,801/year in Mount Laurel 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 Mount Laurel?

New nursing graduates in Mount Laurel typically start near the 10th percentile at $60,801/year, or approximately $29.23/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 Mount Laurel. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Mount Laurel 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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