Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Trenton, NJ: $79,677 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Trenton, NJ earns a median $79,677/year (≈ $38.31/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Trenton's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $77,221 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.6% above the New Jersey state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Trenton, New Jersey, the licensed practical nurse salary is projected to reach a median annual value of $79,677 by 2026, representing a significant increase compared to national figures. With a salary range from $66,422 at the 10th percentile to $85,501 at the 90th percentile, this compensation reflects the varying responsibilities and settings in which LPNs operate. Skilled nursing facilities tend to offer higher pay than home health agencies or physician offices, highlighting how different employment environments can influence wage outcomes. The data presented here is derived from projections based on 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data, making it a relevant reference for those looking to enter or advance in the nursing field within Trenton.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,422 | $31.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $72,140 | $34.68 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $79,677 | $38.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84,380 | $40.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85,501 | $41.11 |
Median Salary Position
17.05% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Trenton
In Trenton, NJ, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $19,079 (2026 est.). At $79,677, the local median is 17.05% above the national median of $68,071.
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At 40 hours/week in Trenton: You'd be above the median
How Trenton Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Trenton median: $79,677/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Trenton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $78,422 | +1.60% more |
| National Average | $68,071 | +17.05% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Trenton, NJ earn a median of $79,677 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.05% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 1.60% above the New Jersey state average of $78,422.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Trenton has a cost of living 3.18% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Trenton, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 103.18 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $79,677 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $77,221 — a 3.08% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$57,850
2025 BLS Actual
$75,380
2026 Current Est.
$79,677
2019–2027 Growth
+45.6%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Trenton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,850 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,520 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,120 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,840 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,030 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,420 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,380 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,677 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,218 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Trenton metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 30.3% from $57,850 (2019) to $75,380 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $84,218 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,368 (45.58%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Trenton 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) | $66,422 – $72,140 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $72,140 – $79,677 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $79,677 – $84,380 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $84,380 – $85,501 |
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 Trenton
Examining the local job market, Trenton employs approximately 880 licensed practical nurses, indicating a robust demand for their skills. The cost-of-living index stands at 103.18, slightly above the national average, which affects the overall take-home pay for nursing professionals. Among the various employers, skilled nursing facilities generally offer the most competitive wages, driven by factors such as shift differentials and premium pay for weekends and holidays. The disparity in earnings can also be attributed to the specific certifications an LPN may possess, such as those in IV therapy, which can lead to higher compensation. For those aiming to maximize their earnings in this environment, pursuing certifications and experience in high-demand settings like long-term care can be highly beneficial. Knowing the lay of the land in Trenton’s employment landscape can help nurses position themselves effectively for career advancement.
More salary data for Trenton, 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 $75,380 for licensed practical nursesin the Trenton 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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