Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Lakewood, NJ: $77,805 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Lakewood, NJ earns a median $77,805/year (≈ $37.41/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Lakewood's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $67,539 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, licensed practical nurses in Lakewood, NJ, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $77,805, which reflects a notable increase compared to the national median of $68,071. Overall, local salaries will range from approximately $60,092 at the lower end (10th percentile) to upwards of $105,039 for top earners (90th percentile). These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data projected into 2026, take into account regional price adjustments and localized factors that influence compensation. Competitive pay rates can be further augmented by shift differentials and weekend premiums, particularly in long-term care settings, making Lakewood an attractive market for those in the practical nursing field.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,092 | $28.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $70,893 | $34.09 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $77,805 | $37.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $94,432 | $45.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $105,039 | $50.50 |
Median Salary Position
14.30% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lakewood
In Lakewood, NJ, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,947 (2026 est.). At $77,805, the local median is 14.3% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lakewood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lakewood Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Lakewood median: $77,805/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lakewood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $78,432 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | +14.30% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Lakewood, NJ earn a median of $77,805 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.30% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 0.80% below the New Jersey state average of $78,432.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lakewood has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lakewood, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $77,805 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $67,539 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$54,269
2025 BLS Actual
$73,609
2026 Current Est.
$77,805
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,269 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,801 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,944 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,430 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,271 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,295 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,609 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,805 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,240 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lakewood metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $54,269 (2019) to $73,609 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $82,240 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,971 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lakewood 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) | $60,092 – $70,893 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $70,893 – $77,805 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $77,805 – $94,432 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $94,432 – $105,039 |
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 Lakewood
With 31 licensed practical nurses currently employed in Lakewood, the local job market remains stable, yet competitive. The cost-of-living index in the area stands at 115.2, which is considerably above the national average, impacting overall purchasing power for LPNs. Employers in skilled nursing facilities typically offer the highest salaries, while home health agencies and physician offices often compensate less. Variations in pay are largely driven by the setting, with long-term care roles frequently including incentives like weekend and holiday premiums, as well as stipends for IV therapy certification. For practical nurses aiming to maximize their salaries in Lakewood, focusing on specialized skills, considering different employment sectors, or seeking roles in facilities that provide additional financial benefits can significantly enhance earning potential within this evolving job market.
More salary data for Lakewood, 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
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 $73,609 for licensed practical nursesin the Lakewood 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 Lakewood 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