Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Toms River, NJ: $77,314 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Toms River, NJ earns a median $77,314/year (≈ $37.17/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Toms River's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $67,113 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the licensed practical nurse salary in Toms River, NJ, is projected to reach a median of $77,314, outpacing the national median of $68,071 by a significant margin. Ranging from $62,580 at the 10th percentile to $96,690 at the 90th percentile, these figures reveal a robust local market for LPNs. Compounding this is the potential for additional earnings through shift differentials and weekend premiums, which are common incentives designed to attract LPNs to long-term care roles. Estimates derived from BLS state-level data and BEA regional price parities highlight the competitive compensation landscape here, underscoring the demand for skilled practitioners in Toms River as part of a diverse healthcare community.
About the Toms River Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,580 | $30.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $72,401 | $34.81 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $77,314 | $37.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89,529 | $43.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96,690 | $46.49 |
Median Salary Position
13.58% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Toms River
In Toms River, NJ, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,110 (2026 est.). At $77,314, the local median is 13.58% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Toms River: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Toms River Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Toms River median: $77,314/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Toms River Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $78,412 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | +13.58% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Toms River, NJ earn a median of $77,314 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.58% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 1.40% below the New Jersey state average of $78,412.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Toms River has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Toms River, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $77,314 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $67,113 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,927
2025 BLS Actual
$73,145
2026 Current Est.
$77,314
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Toms River (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,927 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,449 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,598 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,037 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,841 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,826 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,145 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,314 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,721 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Toms River metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $53,927 (2019) to $73,145 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $81,721 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,794 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Toms River 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) | $62,580 – $72,401 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $72,401 – $77,314 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $77,314 – $89,529 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $89,529 – $96,690 |
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 Toms River
With only 17 licensed practical nurses currently employed in Toms River, the job market for this occupation remains selective. This concentrated workforce, combined with a Cost of Living Index of 115.2, means that despite higher salaries, the purchasing power is impacted by living expenses. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities often provide the highest pay, followed by home health agencies, with better compensation for roles requiring specific certifications such as IV therapy. The disparity between higher and lower salaries is influenced by various factors, including the work setting and additional pay for shifts during weekends and holidays in long-term care environments. For those pursuing careers in practical nursing, focusing on obtaining certifications and actively seeking employment at higher-paying facilities can substantially enhance licensed practical nurse pay in Toms River, NJ, ultimately offering a pathway to a sustainable and rewarding career.
More salary data for Toms River, 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 $73,145 for licensed practical nursesin the Toms River 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 Toms River 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