Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Newark, NJ: $38.63 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Newark, NJ runs $38.63 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $80,355 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Newark's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,214 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Newark, New Jersey, licensed practical nurses earn a median hourly rate of $38.63, significantly higher than the national median of $32.73. This robust hourly wage allows for a reasonable income for part-time LPNs working three days a week, often resulting in a take-home pay that supports a comfortable lifestyle. Part-time nurses, who may work in various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, and physician offices, benefit from the flexibility the profession offers. Newark's hourly range for LPNs extends from $27.16 at the entry-level position to $53.76 for top earners, reflecting the diversity of experience and specialization within this vital healthcare role, with these figures derived from projected annual salary data for 2026.
About the Newark Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.16 | $217.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.56 | $284.46 |
| Median (P50) | $38.63 | $309.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.62 | $380.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.76 | $430.07 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Newark
Based on $38.63/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.63/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Newark, NJ can expect to earn approximately $80,357 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,360. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Newark.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Newark
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,545.33 | $6,696 | $80,357 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $927.20 | $4,018 | $48,214 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $618.13 | $2,679 | $32,143 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Newark) | $38.63 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) (National Avg) | $18.60 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $19.70 |
| Home Health / Personal Care Aide (National Avg) | $16.80 |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Newark, NJ earn a median of $80,355 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.05% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 2.50% above the New Jersey state average of $78,395.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.63/hr = $48,214/year (purchasing power: $41,853).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $80,357/year (purchasing power: $69,755).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.55/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.63/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Newark (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.95/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.71/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.28/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.55/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.63/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Newark grew 35.6% from $26.95/hr (2019) to $36.55/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.84/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem licensed practical nurses can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Newark metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 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.
Working as an Hourly Licensed Practical Nurse in Newark
For those considering part-time or per-diem options, the earning potential varies widely. A licensed practical nurse working 24 hours a week could see an annual income that differs significantly compared to full-time colleagues. Per diem licensed practical nurse pay in Newark typically ranges from $28 to $42 per hour, while agency nurses in high-demand facilities can command rates of $45 to $60 per hour. The variance in hourly rates often stems from the type of employer, with skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, and hospitals offering different compensation structures. In evaluating job opportunities, many LPNs face the benefits trade-off; accepting a lower hourly rate may come with healthcare benefits that freelance or agency work does not include. Negotiation can also play a key role, and LPNs should consider leveraging local cost-of-living factors or specialized skills to secure better rates in Newark’s competitive job market.
More salary data for Newark, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Newark in 2026?
How much do part-time licensed practical nurses make in Newark?
Are licensed practical nurses in Newark paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time licensed practical nurse make per year in Newark?
Do licensed practical nurses earn more per hour working part-time in Newark?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New Jersey
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for licensed practical nurses in Newark. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Newark is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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