Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Montclair, NJ: $77,644 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Montclair, NJ earns a median $77,644/year (≈ $37.33/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Montclair's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $67,399 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Licensed practical nurses in Montclair, New Jersey, can expect a competitive median annual salary of $77,644 in 2026, reflecting a significant advantage—approximately 14.06%—over the national median of $68,071. The local salary range varies from $61,245 at the lower end (P10) to $95,189 at the high end (P90), which illustrates a diverse compensation landscape. These estimates are informed by BLS state-level data, accounting for regional price adjustments that impact living and working conditions. Particularly in Montclair, shift differentials and weekend premiums in long-term care contribute to the overall earnings potential. Given the local demand, the job market for licensed practical nurses shows promise, especially given the cost-of-living index of 115.2, indicating that LPNs have access to a dynamic employment environment.
About the Montclair Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,245 | $29.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $74,454 | $35.79 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $77,644 | $37.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89,161 | $42.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95,189 | $45.77 |
Median Salary Position
14.06% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Montclair
In Montclair, NJ, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $33,944 (2026 est.). At $77,644, the local median is 14.06% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Montclair: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Montclair Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Montclair median: $77,644/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Montclair Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $78,428 | -1.00% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | +14.06% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Montclair, NJ earn a median of $77,644 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.06% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 1.00% below the New Jersey state average of $78,428.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Montclair has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Montclair, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $77,644 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $67,399 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$54,157
2025 BLS Actual
$73,457
2026 Current Est.
$77,644
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Montclair (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,157 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,686 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,830 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,302 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,130 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,141 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,457 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,644 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,070 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Montclair metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $54,157 (2019) to $73,457 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $82,070 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,913 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Montclair 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) | $61,245 – $74,454 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $74,454 – $77,644 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $77,644 – $89,161 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $89,161 – $95,189 |
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 Montclair
Within Montclair, the job market showcases a small but significant number of licensed practical nurses, with only 10 currently employed in the area. This localized workforce is influenced by a cost-of-living reality that is notably higher than the national average, which can affect take-home purchasing power. Among the various employers, skilled nursing facilities tend to offer the highest pay, while home health agencies and physician offices follow behind. Factors contributing to the pay gap include the setting where LPNs work, with skilled nursing environments typically providing higher wages due to their required level of care. Additionally, opportunities for shift differentials, IV therapy certification stipends, and charge LPN roles can allow for increased earning potential. For those looking to maximize earnings in Montclair, seeking employment in specialized areas such as hospice care or long-term facilities, along with pursuing certification and focusing on weekend and holiday shifts, can enhance overall compensation.
More salary data for Montclair, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can licensed practical nurses make $100K in Montclair?
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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 $73,457 for licensed practical nursesin the Montclair 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 Montclair 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