Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Princeton, NJ: $39.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Princeton, NJ runs $39.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,261 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Princeton's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,755 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The licensed practical nurse hourly pay in Princeton, NJ, stands at $39.07, reflecting a notable increase compared to the national hourly median of $32.73. This higher rate allows LPNs to benefit significantly, especially those working part-time, such as in skilled nursing facilities or providing home health services. With an hourly range spanning from $30.93 for entry-level positions to $47.73 for top earners, opportunities are diverse across various healthcare environments like physician office exam rooms and correctional facility infirmaries. For per-diem workers seeking flexible schedules, the hourly rate can translate into advantageous earnings in this pivotal role, as the figures are derived from annual salary estimates.
About the Princeton 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) | $30.93 | $247.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.91 | $287.25 |
| Median (P50) | $39.07 | $312.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.88 | $359.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.73 | $381.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Princeton
Based on $39.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.07/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Princeton, NJ can expect to earn approximately $81,259 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,880. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Princeton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Princeton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,562.67 | $6,772 | $81,259 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $937.60 | $4,063 | $48,755 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $625.07 | $2,709 | $32,504 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Princeton) | $39.07 |
| 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 Princeton, NJ earn a median of $81,261 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.38% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 3.60% above the New Jersey state average of $78,437.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.07/hr = $48,755/year (purchasing power: $42,322).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,259/year (purchasing power: $70,537).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.25/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Princeton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.25/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.35/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.28/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.61/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Princeton grew 35.6% from $27.25/hr (2019) to $36.96/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.29/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 Princeton 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 Princeton
Examining the financial landscape for part-time licensed practical nurses working three days a week reveals interesting outcomes. A 24-hour workweek could yield an estimated annual take-home that differs significantly from a full-time commitment. Moreover, per-diem licensed practical nurses see varied compensation, generally billing between $28 and $42 an hour. Agency LPNs, especially in understaffed settings, may command rates as high as $45 to $60 per hour. Different types of employers across Princeton also influence pay structures: skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies may offer varying hourly rates compared to hospitals or physician offices. Some LPNs choose to accept lower hourly wages for positions that provide essential health benefits, whereas others might seek higher pay without additional perks. For those negotiating hourly pay in Princeton, it's wise to research employer standards and consider the worth of benefits to secure a favorable compensation package.
More salary data for Princeton, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.
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 Princeton. 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 Princeton 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