Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in East Brunswick, NJ: $76,726 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in East Brunswick, NJ earns a median $76,726/year (≈ $36.89/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in East Brunswick's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $66,602 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In East Brunswick, NJ, the projected median annual salary for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in 2026 is $76,726, reflecting a competitive market compared to the national median of $68,071. Salaries range from $59,316 at the 10th percentile to $99,518 at the 90th percentile, highlighting significant earning potential based on experience, setting, and certifications. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost variations, are indicative of a job market where shift differentials and weekend premiums play a crucial role in compensation for effective long-term care delivery. The favorable salary projections suggest a robust demand for LPNs, making East Brunswick a notable location for those in the practical nursing profession.
About the East Brunswick Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,316 | $28.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $69,474 | $33.40 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $76,726 | $36.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87,126 | $41.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $99,518 | $47.84 |
Median Salary Position
12.71% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in East Brunswick
In East Brunswick, NJ, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $40,202 (2026 est.). At $76,726, the local median is 12.71% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in East Brunswick: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How East Brunswick Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
East Brunswick median: $76,726/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | East Brunswick Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $78,451 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | +12.71% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in East Brunswick, NJ earn a median of $76,726 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.71% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 2.20% below the New Jersey state average of $78,451.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
East Brunswick has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
East Brunswick, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $76,726 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $66,602 — a 13.2% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,517
2025 BLS Actual
$72,588
2026 Current Est.
$76,726
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in East Brunswick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,517 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,027 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,182 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,565 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,324 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,264 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,588 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,726 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,099 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the East Brunswick metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $53,517 (2019) to $72,588 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $81,099 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,582 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the East Brunswick 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $59,316 – $69,474 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $69,474 – $76,726 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $76,726 – $87,126 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $87,126 – $99,518 |
LPN salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual licensed practical nurse compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Licensed Practical Nurse Job Market in East Brunswick
Analyzing the local job market, there are currently only eight licensed practical nurses employed in East Brunswick, which may imply opportunities for growth as demand increases. The cost of living index of 115.2 indicates that expenses are above the national average, which impacts take-home purchasing power for LPNs in the area. Skilled nursing facilities typically offer the highest salaries among local employers, followed closely by home health agencies and some hospitals. The disparity between low and high pay in East Brunswick often stems from employer settings and additional factors like shift differentials, IV therapy certification stipends, and holiday premiums. To maximize compensation, LPNs should consider opportunities in skilled nursing or long-term care settings that offer these benefits, in addition to seeking certifications that can boost earning potential. Understanding local dynamics can significantly influence how much do licensed practical nurses make in East Brunswick and their career trajectory.
More salary data for East Brunswick, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do licensed practical nurses make in East Brunswick, NJ in 2026?
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Can licensed practical nurses make $100K in East Brunswick?
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $72,588 for licensed practical nursesin the East Brunswick metropolitan area. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for East Brunswick 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