Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Manchester, NJ: $75,545 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Manchester, NJ earns a median $75,545/year (≈ $36.32/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Manchester's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $65,577 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.7% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in Manchester, NJ, can expect a median annual salary of $75,545. This figure is notably higher than the national median of $68,071, reflecting the state's specific scope-of-practice regulations which grant LPNs the authority to perform tasks like IV therapy and patient assessments. The local salary range indicates significant earning potential, with the lowest 10% earning approximately $62,380 and the highest 90% making up to $98,573. These figures, derived from recent estimates based on 2025 BLS data, demonstrate the competitive nature of the job market for LPNs in Manchester, reinforcing the value of advanced certifications and experience in optimizing salary outcomes.
About the Manchester Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,380 | $29.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71,579 | $34.42 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $75,545 | $36.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85,914 | $41.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98,573 | $47.40 |
Median Salary Position
10.98% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Manchester
In Manchester, NJ, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $36,193 (2026 est.). At $75,545, the local median is 10.98% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Manchester: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Manchester Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Manchester median: $75,545/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Manchester Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $78,447 | -3.70% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | +10.98% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Manchester, NJ earn a median of $75,545 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.98% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 3.70% below the New Jersey state average of $78,447.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Manchester has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Manchester, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $75,545 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $65,577 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$52,693
2025 BLS Actual
$71,471
2026 Current Est.
$75,545
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Manchester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,693 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,180 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,348 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,617 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,288 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,137 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,471 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,545 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,851 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Manchester metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $52,693 (2019) to $71,471 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $79,851 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,158 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manchester 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) | $62,380 – $71,579 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $71,579 – $75,545 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $75,545 – $85,914 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $85,914 – $98,573 |
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 Manchester
The local employment landscape shows that there are currently nine licensed practical nurses working in Manchester, underscoring a relatively limited job market. With a cost-of-living index of 115.2, aspiring LPNs must consider how housing and everyday expenses might impact their take-home pay. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities tend to offer the highest compensation, followed closely by home health agencies and assisted living communities. Factors influencing the salary spread include differences in work settings, shift differentials, and potential stipends for specialized certifications such as IV therapy. Those looking to maximize their licensed practical nurse pay in Manchester, NJ, should consider pursuing shifts in long-term care, exploring opportunities with hospitals, or seeking positions that offer weekend or holiday premiums, as these strategies can significantly enhance overall earnings.
More salary data for Manchester, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do licensed practical nurses make in Manchester, NJ in 2026?
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Can licensed practical nurses make $100K in Manchester?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted licensed practical nurse salary in Manchester?
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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 $71,471 for licensed practical nursesin the Manchester 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 Manchester 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