Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Newark, NJ: $80,355 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Newark, NJ earns a median $80,355/year (≈ $38.63/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Newark's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $69,753 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% above the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Newark, NJ, the licensed practical nurse salary in Newark is notably robust, with a median annual income projected to reach $80,355 in 2026. This figure positions Newark above the national median salary of $68,071, highlighting a premium of approximately 18.05% for local LPNs. The local salary range spans from $56,507 at the 10th percentile to $111,822 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data, reflect the unique economic landscape of Newark where skilled nursing facilities and other healthcare settings may offer different compensation structures. As the demand for quality nursing care grows, LPNs in Newark can expect competitive salaries, particularly in environments like skilled nursing facilities that typically offer higher pay compared to home health agencies or physician offices.
About the Newark Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,507 | $27.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $73,963 | $35.56 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $80,355 | $38.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $99,039 | $47.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $111,822 | $53.76 |
Median Salary Position
18.05% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Newark
In Newark, NJ, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $55,315 (2026 est.). At $80,355, the local median is 18.05% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Newark: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Newark Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Newark median: $80,355/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Newark Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $78,395 | +2.50% more |
| National Average | $68,071 | +18.05% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Newark, NJ earn a median of $80,355 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.05% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 2.50% above the New Jersey state average of $78,395.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Newark has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Newark, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $80,355 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $69,753 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$56,049
2025 BLS Actual
$76,022
2026 Current Est.
$80,355
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Newark (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,049 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,630 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,745 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,477 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,509 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,740 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,022 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,355 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,936 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Newark metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $56,049 (2019) to $76,022 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $84,936 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,887 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Newark 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) | $56,507 – $73,963 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $73,963 – $80,355 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $80,355 – $99,039 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $99,039 – $111,822 |
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 Newark
In 2026, the local employment market for licensed practical nurses in Newark consists of approximately 61 professionals, revealing a concentrated job sector in the region. The cost of living index stands at 115.2, indicating that living expenses are slightly above the national average. This factor plays a critical role in assessing take-home pay and influences compensation negotiations. Skilled nursing facilities lead the way in offering the highest salaries, often supplemented by shift differentials, IV therapy certification stipends, and additional bonuses for weekend or holiday work. Factors contributing to salary variability include the work setting, required certifications, and specific duties associated with positions, such as charge LPN roles in long-term care. For LPNs looking to maximize their pay in Newark, pursuing certifications, seeking employment in high-paying settings, and considering shift flexibility can be effective strategies for enhancing overall earnings.
More salary data for Newark, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can licensed practical nurses make $100K in Newark?
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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 $76,022 for licensed practical nursesin the Newark 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 Newark 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