Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Union, NJ: $79,164 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Union, NJ earns a median $79,164/year (≈ $38.06/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Union's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $68,719 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% above the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, licensed practical nurses in Union, NJ, can expect a median annual salary of $79,164, which reflects a notable increase compared to the national median of $68,071. The salary range for LPNs in the area is quite broad, spanning from $60,439 at the 10th percentile to $99,890 at the 90th percentile, indicating significant potential for earnings based on experience and specialization. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost considerations, and highlight how shift differentials and weekend premiums impact overall compensation in long-term care settings. In Union, those who can capitalize on effective scheduling and specialized skills in demand will find the job market ripe with opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential.
About the Union Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,439 | $29.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71,649 | $34.45 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $79,164 | $38.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $92,202 | $44.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $99,890 | $48.02 |
Median Salary Position
16.30% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Union
In Union, NJ, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,451 (2026 est.). At $79,164, the local median is 16.3% above the national median of $68,071.
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At 40 hours/week in Union: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Union Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Union median: $79,164/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Union Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $78,380 | +1.00% more |
| National Average | $68,071 | +16.30% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Union, NJ earn a median of $79,164 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.30% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 1.00% above the New Jersey state average of $78,380.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Union has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Union, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $79,164 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $68,719 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$55,218
2025 BLS Actual
$74,895
2026 Current Est.
$79,164
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Union (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,218 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,776 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,904 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,521 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,464 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,593 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,895 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,164 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,676 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Union metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $55,218 (2019) to $74,895 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $83,676 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,458 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Union 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) | $60,439 – $71,649 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $71,649 – $79,164 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $79,164 – $92,202 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $92,202 – $99,890 |
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 Union
Strong demand for licensed practical nurses in the Union area, where only 15 professionals are currently employed, emphasizes the need for skilled workers in local healthcare facilities. The cost-of-living index in Union is 115.2, which suggests that while salaries are competitive, the higher expenses can affect take-home pay. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities typically offer the highest salaries, reflecting the complexity of care required in long-term settings, with associated weekend and holiday premiums, as well as potential stipends for certifications such as IV therapy. To maximize licensed practical nurse pay in Union, it's advisable for LPNs to pursue specialization in high-demand areas and seek positions in skilled nursing facilities. Furthermore, exploring opportunities for weekend shifts or additional responsibilities can provide further financial incentives that enhance overall earnings in this vibrant local market.
More salary data for Union, 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 $74,895 for licensed practical nursesin the Union 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 Union 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